DR. Romie L. Roark

Dr. Romie L. Roark was born on May 4, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Luella McMillan and Jack Roark. He was united in holy matrimony to Gloria (Carter) Roark, and to this union one child was born. At the time of his passing, Romie was married to Daphane (Campbell) Roark. No children were born to this union.

Dr. Roark was educated in the Chicago Public School System. He received his Masters degree from Webster University and later received his Doctorate of Philosophy in International Business from Brown University. He retired from Amoco Oil (which later became British Petroleum) in Texas City, Texas after a long and successful career.

Dr. Roark joined the United States Navy in 1958 and proudly served his country for 30 years until his retirement as Master Chief. His success in both the military and in business can be directly attributed to his work ethic and his love for helping people. After his retirement from Amoco Oil, he taught International Business at Lee College in Baytown, Texas and Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas. He also worked for Community Alliance for Traffic Safety (CATS) in San Antonio, Texas and the San Antonio Independent School District. Dr. Roark took pride in helping others learn how to improve the quality of life through education. He touched the lives of many throughout his life.

On July 10, 2013 at 6:09 p.m., Romie received eternal rest and peace. He was 73 years of age.

In addition to his parents, Romie was preceded in death by his first wife, Gloria Roark and sister, Kathie Steele of Florida. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his wife of 16 years, Daphane Roark; one son, Anthony “Tony” Roark of Downers Grove, Illinois; one daughter, Tonica (Campbell) Williams (Roderick) of Columbus, Georgia; one sister, Caralynn Roark-Steele of Richmond, California; three brothers Duane Chapman of Richmond, California, Darryl Steele of Oakland, California, and Gene Roark-Steele (Monica) of Richmond, California; two grandchildren, Anthony “AJ” Roark, Jr. and Gloria Roark; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A visitation and funeral service will be held at Colonial Funeral Home on Friday, July 19, 2013 from 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. and Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. Interment will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.