Robert Cameron Roach Jr. (Ron) passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at the age of 75 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living life to the fullest.

He was the son of the late Robert Cameron Roach Sr. and Ruth Virginia Hawkins Roach. He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years Terri Lynn Roach; daughters Wendy Anne Roach Kantsios (Randal Moore), April Marie Hicks (Nicholas Lynch); and grandchildren Jacob Cameron Kantsios, Adam Thurston Moore, Aubrey Wynne, Colton Wynne, and Conner Lynch.

Robert was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia where he graduated from Denbigh High School in 1968. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and fought in the Vietnam War as a part of a Medivac unit. After serving in the military, he began his career at Newport News Shipyard (NNS) in 1971 where he worked through the 70’s. Around 1982 he joined John J. McMullen for 10 years working the grouping and fabrication planning for aircraft carriers. 1994 Ron was back with the NNS where he continued to work as a Production/Construction planner until his retirement in 2015.

Ron enjoyed many weekends on Hatteras and Ocracoke Island driving his bronco on the beach and enjoying surf fishing. He was an experienced and knowledgeable numismatist and after many years of collecting and selling coins he was ecstatic to have discovered a morgan dollar with a minting variable that was recognized and documented. 

Robert was a loyal friend, loving husband, caring father, and grandfather. His family and friends meant everything to him and his generosity towards them never went unnoticed. He was the life of the party and always could make anyone smile and laugh at his goofy personality and jokes. He was an amazing man with many accomplishments and a joy to be around and will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 11 a.m. at Littles Funeral Home, Smithfield.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. A celebration of life will be held after services at 19141 Farm Rd. Smithfield, VA 23430. Burial will take place at a later date at Albert G. Horton Jr. Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.