HUGH WILLIAM ROACH "Live, Love, Eat!"July 15, 1945 - November 17, 2009 Bill Roach walked boldly and compassionately in this world, dreaming new dreams into being, and maintaining beautiful relationships. The complications of cancer claimed him after a nine year battle. He was born and raised in Chesnee, South Carolina. He was a scholar, chef, friend and lover and spent his last happy years in Columbus, North Carolina.Bill was an Eagle Scout and played for his high school football team, while he breezed through his studies. He was a member of MENSA and attended USC and Duke University where he met and married the mother of his only child, Bill Roach, Jr. He worked in a variety of jobs from selling carpet and insurance to co-founding Teleplex, one of the first internet providers in Spartanburg and Polk Counties. But his favorite pursuit was his restaurant The Sandwich Factory/Café on Morgan Square in Spartanburg. There he was able to merge his love of cooking with his social life. He held court from his stool at the corner of the bar offering everything from good food and coffee to witticisms and loving friendships. In 1999, he met the love of his life, Cheryl, and set about convincing her to become his wife. They married in December of 2000. Three weeks later he was diagnosed with lung cancer, but that did not slow him down. Kiwanis was an important part of his life. He held leadership positions, worked tirelessly with Terrific Kids, and thoroughly enjoyed traveling to places like Taipei, Montreal, the UK, the Bahamas as well as many places in the US. He and Cheryl loved traveling and took every opportunity to cruise, balloon, ride trains, fly, and drive their favourite toy, MYBLKSL. In his last days he said his only disappointment was there was so much he still wanted to do. Bill was a vital member of Tryon First Baptist Church where he cooked his way into everyone's hearts. Those who know him best remember he loved to have a great meal with family and friends. It did not matter what was on the table as long as the food was good and the company stimulating. It was kind of like breathing for him, almost a religious experience, like taking care of your soul. Bill and Cheryl enjoyed frequenting local restaurants, and at home, he relished watching the food network and then trying out new recipes. Most will remember Bill for his love of ideas and debate. He was a voracious reader and well versed on a wide and eclectic range of subjects. Or maybe part of his charm was the way he listened - attentive, alert, and compassionate. All these little, special things made Bill who he was and made so many love him. He will be remembered for his warmth, friendship, generous support for charitable causes, selflessness and love. With a big heart, great sense of humour and resounding laugh, Bill brought comfort and light to everyone he touched Bill is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his son Hugh William Roach, Jr. and wife Kristina of Moore, his brother James L. Roach and wife Sheila of Campobello; his step-daughters Jennifer Fuller and husband Wyatt, Jessica Epps and husband James, Mary Mixon and husband Matthew of Augusta, Georgia as well as six amazing grandchildren, Parker and Austin Roach, Madison and Mya Mixon, and Palmer and James Bonner Epps. Bill's extended family includes loving cousins and nephew and family. Cheryl's family, John and Odila Oliver, Becky Oliver, John Oliver and children will miss his love and teasing wit as well. He is predeceased by his parents, William Bonner Roach and Doris Vassey Roach of Chesnee. Arrangements have been made by McFarland's Funeral Home, Tryon, North Carolina. A weekend celebration of Bill's life will be held at his home. Come and share a story of how he touched your life. Visitors are welcome to drop in Saturday, November 28 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 29 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. You may call 828-859-9341 for more information. No flowers, please. Instead, memorial donations will be given to our local Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Dr., Columbus, NC 28722 organization and Thermal Belt Outreach, P. O. Box 834, Columbus, NC 28722 Also, consider buying a flower for a living friend, fill out your organ donor card, donate blood, do a good deed as you remember Bill. Write one of your "Bill memories" at www.caringbridge.org. Login billroach"Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me.The carriage held but just ourselves and Immortality." Emily DickensonOn November 17, 2009, Bill "danced the last dance" at the age of 64.
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