Johnie Walter Roark

Mr. Johnie Roark, 76, of Claremont, NC, went home to be with his Lord, on Sunday, October 16, 2016, at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, NC, following an extended illness. He was the son of the late Walter and Viola Johnson Roark and was a native of Roan Mountain, TN. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James Lonnie Roark and David Roark.

Mr. Roark was a loving husband and father who loved to travel and make people laugh. He was a “people person” and he loved life. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and was of the Presbyterian faith.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of forty-nine years, Burma Roark, of the home; a daughter, Laura Roark, Claremont, NC; a son, Shawn Roark, Louisville, KY; two sisters, Mary Lou Brengard, Fallon, NV; and Margaret Hegler, Lancaster, SC. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A service to honor the life of Mr. Roark will be conducted on Saturday, October, 22, 2016, at 2:00 PM at the Rhododendron Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Roan Mountain, with Rev. Tom Burleson officiating. Music will be under the direction of Charlotte Smith. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 1:00 – 2:00 PM on Saturday prior to the service. It was the wish of Mr. Roark to be cremated.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Barbara Johnson, the staff of Gordon Hospice House, and a special nephew, Adam Roark, for the love and support shown to Mr. Roark and the family during his illness.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.