William L. Roach, Jr.
William L. Roach Jr., 66 of Sullivan, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2020 in Sullivan.
Bill, son of William L. Roach Sr. and wife Alice (Key) was born January 9, 1954 in St. Louis.
On July 2, 1977 he was united in marriage to Carolyn Sue Rose in Sullivan.
Bill was a lifetime Bowler, achieving two 300 games and an 800 series. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing pool.
He took pride in caring for his family especially his grandchildren.
Six-year-old Billy Roach inspired the Shriners fraternity to expand its health care mission to include children with burn injuries. Facing amputation of his leg, due to inadequate medical care following a burn injury, Billy and his family turned to the Shriners. The success of his ensuing treatment at a Shriners orthopedic hospital was highlighted two years later when Billy kicked a football into an audience of cheering and weeping Shriners at the 1962 convention. That very day the Shriners unanimously approved a resolution that led to the establishment of three Shriners Hospitals for the treatment of pediatric burns.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William L. and Alice Roach Sr.; one brother, Ronald Roach; one sister, April Voss and his father-in-law, Carl E. Rose.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Sue Roach of Sullivan; one son, Eric Roach and companion Melissa Mayberry of Belleville, IL; three brothers, Larry Roach, Kevin Roach and Keith Roach; six sisters, Linda Nolie and husband Larry, Joyce Roach, Vickie Byrd and husband Mark, Mary Thomeczek and husband Tom, Colleen Booher and husband Ron and Robin Babb and husband Joe; two grandchildren, Bryce Roach and Corbin Lambert; mothers-in-law, Carol Gray of Lebanon, IN and Dianna Rose of Owensville; caregiver, Kimberly Walton; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Visit www.midlawn.com for an online register book.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Shriners Hospital for children are preferred.
Arrangements by Midlawn Funeral Home, Union.