William "Bill" Roark

William “Bill” Earl Roark, age 88 of Gallatin, TN, passed away October 18, 2021.  Mr. Roark was born August 20, 1933 in Portland, TN.  He is preceded in death by his parents, H. B. Roark, Sr. and Versie Keen Roark; wife, Janice Roark; brothers, H. B. Roark, Jr. and James Roark; sisters, Louise Holland, Earline Butner and Cavell Bishop.  He is survived by sons, William A. “Tony” Roark (Rita) of Lakeview, AL, Phillip “Phil” Roark (Wanda) of Gallatin, TN and John Patrick Roark (Kathryn) of Nashville, TN; stepdaughter, Jackie Major (John) of Hopkinsville, KY; sister, Nell Morrell (Ray) of Virginia; grandchildren, Cliff Pond, Jennifer Connor, Paul Way, Tyler Way, Kyle Roark, Madison Major and Lauren Major; eleven great grandchildren.

Mr. Roark graduated Sumner County High School 1952 in Portland, TN.  He was drafted into military service in 1953 after completing his first year of college in Bowling Green College of Commerce in Bowling Green, KY.  After joining the US Air Force, he completed pre-flight training at Lockland AFB in San Antonio, TX in 1954.  Then he was stationed at Clark AFB in the Republic of the Philippines in 1956 as a navigator and bombardier in a B-50 squadron.  After later being stationed at Palm Beach AFB and completing active duty in the Korean and Vietnam wars, he joined the Tennessee Air National Guard in the 105th air lift squadron in C130’s where he retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was also working for the state of Tennessee in the Dept. Of Finance and Administration until he retired from the state in 1995.  After retiring from the US Air Force and the State of Tennessee his time was dedicated to being a well-known rose gardener that granted him many visits from friends, neighbors and strangers to ask about his gift in that garden.  He had more than 60 grand rose bushes at any time.

Mr. Roark was a member of Lambuth United Methodist Church.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 21st from the chapel of Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Rev. Micah Myers officiating.  Interment will follow in Sumner Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be Wednesday, October 20th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Thursday, October 21st from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be submitted at alexandergallatin.com.  (615) 502-0011 Obit Line (615) 502-0555