Harris Ray Roach

Harris Ray Roach, age 90, of Evansville, IN passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Kindred Hospital Indianapolis North. Mr. Roach was born on July 4, 1933 to the late Ollie and Votie (Cook) Roach in Clarksville, TN.
Mr. Roach retired from the United States Air Force in 1975 after serving his country for 22-1/2 years. He was a Vietnam War Veteran. After serving in Vietnam from 1967 - 1968, he took his family to Taiwan where he served as a Provost Marshall for 6 years. He loved Asia and after living in Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan, he constantly dreamed of his return to Taiwan. He and his family finally returned home to Evansville where he settled and worked various jobs, including working at the CSX Railroad for 10 years before retiring again. He briefly owned a beer and wine tavern and eventually owned his own Thoroughbred racehorse. He was a 1952 graduate of Lincoln High School in Evansville and would later earn a Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana State University in 1977. He was a member of and baptized at the St. Paul AME Church in Woodlawn, TN. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, horse racing, spending time with his family, and helping others. Mr. Roach (our father) would be there for anyone that needed him, from his large circle of friends and family, for assistance concerning finances, food, advice, transportation, shelter, legal assistance, and just about whatever it took to help. In this regard, our dad was a GREAT man. Those that knew him know this. He also loved music and spent many long moments listening to music on his cell phone....we can still hear Tennessee Whiskey.
Mr. Roach was preceded in death by his parents: Ollie and Votie (Cook) Roach; his late wife: Mavis (Cabell) Roach; and his brothers: Theophyllis O'dell Roach, and James (Pots)Roach.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, sister: Zelphia Tapper of Philadelphia, PA; the mother of his children: Masako Roach; his 5 sons: Toshio (Debra), Michael (Barbara), Vince (Carola), Anthony (Monica), and Quentin (Chris); his loving daughters: Roxane (Frank) Patton, Krystal Roberts, and Lisa Roach-Vandyke; 22 grandchildren, including one very devoted granddaughter: Kimiko Vandyke; 30 great grandchildren; and 4 great great grandchildren. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and a special niece to him: Mariko Tapper-Taylor, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Mr. Roach will be dearly missed since he was so loved and cherished by all.