CHESTER RAY ROACH Chester Ray Roach was born October 20, 1957 in Brooksville, Florida. He attended Hernando High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1977. He served in the army for fifteen years before returning home and joining the Florida Army National Guard where he served out the remainder of his military service. He retired from the Florida Army National Guard on February 1, 2004, after a total of 26 years of service. Chester was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Tampa, where he worked as a technician since 1994. He was much loved and respected by his co-workers and customers alike. However, Chester was unable to continue the job he loved due to his failing health. Chester was a man who enjoyed life...he was a wonderful husband to Petra and a perfect father to Deja, a loving son, brother, and friend, caring and determined. Chester was a fighter! He did not allow his illness to shatter his hope, destroy peace, silence his courage or conquer his spirit. He was athletic and involved himself in many sports, he especially loved basketball. He enjoyed fishing with his mom and friends, and he found enjoyment in debating amongst his family and friends. Even though his body has left the world of the living; know and rests assure that his spirit lives on in each and every one of us. As Chester looks down on his loved ones, show your happiness, not your sadness, for he is at peach and now he REJOICES! He touched the lives of many, and his love will live on in each of us. On Saturday, February 4, 2006, God called Chester Ray Roach. He leaves behind his devoted and loving wife, Petra Finn-Roach, and their beautiful daughter, Deja Reann Roach. Chester also leaves behind: parents, Mary Nelson (mother), Raphael Nelson (step-father), Willie Banks, Jr. (father) Josephine Banks (step-mother); sisters, Margie Moore (Tim), Frances V. Grimsley (Jimmy) of Crystal River, FL, Patricia Maner, Valerie Nelson (Arthell), Gail Griffin (Walter) and Loretta (Dale) (god-sister); brothers, Raphael Nelson, Jr. (Wilma) and Lloyd Nelson (Leslie); aunts and uncles, Ludie Moore, Gertrude Roach, Lilac Roach, Calvin Roach, Oscar Hicks, Lula Mills, Beatrice Lillie, Evelina Banks, Tommy Banks, Herbert Banks, Freeman Banks, George Banks, Bradford Banks and Joseph Gary; cousins, Tammy Austin (Charles) Josephine Williams (Jerry), Sybrena Ziegler & Melvin Roach and a host of other cousins; in-laws, Robert Finn (Lystra), Theophilius John-Finn (Isa), Bernice Thomas (Hague), Gwenneth Matthews (Phil), Felix John-Finn (Agnes), Coolridge John-Finn, Cheryl Rich (Robert), John Vigilant (Ruwanthi) Joanne Vigilant and a host of other in-laws; special friends, Terrace Lewis, Viana Fischer, Reggie Hughey, Michael Pryor, Virginia Thomas, Jerome and Shiela Griffin, Pete Green, Curtis, Eric, and a host of other special friends, many with the US Postal Office where Chester worked. Chester also leaves behind a host of cherished nieces, nephews and friends. Viewing: Thursday, February 09, 2006 at the Blount & Currie Funeral Home, ~ 3207 Bearrs Avenue ~ Tampa, FL ~ 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Services: Friday, February 10, 2006 - 11:00 a.m. Allen Temple A.M.E. Church 824 Leonard Street Brooksville, FL Reverend Arnold Porter, Officiating Interment: Florida National Cemetery Bushnell, Florida
