Harold Eugene Roach

A patriot and veteran, Harold enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 24, 1954. He attended basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, followed by training at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he became a Surface to Air Missile (SAM) launch crewman. He served his country until his separation on May 23, 1956. His permanent duty station was with Battery D, 514th AAA Missile Battalion at Fort Duval, Massachusetts—a period of service he fondly referred to as his “Battle of Boston Bay.”

Following his military service, Harold returned to his studies, attending Christian Brothers College in Memphis and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1962. His engineering career took him across the country, first to California with Grumman, and then to St. Louis with Boeing. Eventually, he transferred to Titusville, Florida, to work as a contractor for the space program. Harold served as an engineer on both the Gemini Project and the Apollo missions, playing a role in the historic effort to put the first man on the moon. He eventually returned to Tennessee, retiring from the Memphis Defense Depot in 2000.

Harold was a devoted family man, married for 50 years to his beloved wife, Mary Nelle Roach. He is survived by Mary Nelle; his brother, Duane Roach; and his grandson, Blade Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merritt Lee Roach Sr. and Margaret Moore Roach; his brothers, Merritt Lee Roach Jr. and Don Aldin Roach; his son, David Eugene Roach; and his daughter, Sandra Nelle Cooper.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Baptist Trinity Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion. Harold looked forward to seeing you ladies every week, and your kindness was deeply appreciated.

Services: Services will be held at Memphis Funeral Home, 3700 Germantown Rd., on Monday, December 8, 2025. Visitation will take place from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed immediately by a graveside service at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice in Harold’s honor.