of Jonesboro, AR

February 7, 1937 - March 20, 2026

Ronald Leroy Roach, known by everyone as ''Roach,'' passed away on March 20, 2026, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was 89.
Roach was born on Feb. 7, 1937, in Avoca, Indiana. After a tough upbringing on the farm, he eagerly traded that life for service in the United States Air Force, joining as soon as he could, even if he had to stretch the truth to get there. He proudly served during the Korean War.

While stationed at Blytheville Air Force Base, he met Glenda Hyde. They were married on April 1, 1956, and were just days away from celebrating their 70th anniversary. Together, Roach and Glenda built a life grounded in hard work, faith, and family, setting an example that shaped the generations to come.

After his military service, Roach went to work for Mid-South Plumbing Supply, where he spent 40 years. He started as a truck driver and worked his way up to general manager of the Jonesboro location by the time he retired.

He was a longtime member of Temple Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and led the Building and Grounds Committee during the Atrium expansion and construction of the Family Life Center. He cared deeply about his church and the work he did there.

He enjoyed staying busy and had a wide range of interests, including horses, stock cars, motorcycles, hunting and fishing, running, working out, and collecting coins. Having grown up with very little, he took great pride in taking care of his belongings. His vehicles were always spotless, right down to the engine undercarriage, much to the surprise of local mechanics.

Roach had a gruff demeanor, but those who knew him best saw the softer side he saved for family.

He is survived by his wife, Glenda; his sister, Judy Figg of Ellettsville, Indiana; his children, Diana Clark (Terry), Rhonda McNabb (Mike), and Joey Roach (Hollie); his grandchildren, Todd Clark (Melanie), Courtney Deaton (Bubba), Amy Lyerly (Greg), Jessica Martin (Jonathan), Hannah Hibbs (Tyler), Jack Roach, and Lee Roach; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He loved his grandchildren, but he especially loved his great grandkids: Abby, Kylie Jo, Myles, Owen, Bethany, Brodyn, Brittni, Josh, Millie, Ross, Kade, Kinsley, Nora Jane, Daniel, Matthew, Maxson, and Marley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elza Joe and Mary (Thomas) Roach; his grandson, Noah Walker; and his great-grandson, Caleb Deaton.

His family is deeply grateful to the staff of St. Bernard's Villa for the kindness, care, and compassion they showed Roach over the past six months.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 28, at 10 a.m., with funeral services following at 11 a.m. at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home, 1900 West Washington Ave. in Jonesboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home
1900 West Washington Ave.
Jonesboro, AR  72401
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com