Charles Dorman Roach

Dorman spent four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Boxer aircraft carrier during the Korean War, serving three overseas tours of duty.

For nearly 69 years, Dorman shared his life with his devoted wife, Ina. Together they built a family, a business and a legacy defined by hard work, generosity and an appreciation for life.

Dorman's story was, in many ways, the story of a Chattanooga entrepreneur who started small and dreamed big. He and his four brothers, Jim, Richard, Zane and Dennis created Modern Pattern Engineers in the mid-1960's, a humble pattern shop off Main St. in downtown Chattanooga. Over the years the business grew into a major manufacturer, supplying parts to some of the country's largest car manufacturers. The expanded business in Lookout Valley on Modern Industries Parkway grew to hundreds of employees.

Of course, one of those employees was their beloved son, Chuck, who ultimately became company president. Sadly, Chuck passed away at the age of 51, forcing Ina and Dorman to bear a cross that no parent should ever have to bear. The loss of their only child was a devastating blow, yet they found a way to put aside their grief, continuing to live life fully, finding ways to enjoy their family, friends and the blessings their years together had brought them.

They were generous, perhaps to a fault, and many family members and friends can recall being the recipients of that generosity. For Dorman, giving to others was not simply something he did. It was one of the ways he found joy in life.

Dorman is survived by his wife, Ina, his brothers, Zane and Dennis, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dorman Roach was a man who kept moving. He served his country, built a business, raised a family, endured unimaginable loss and continued to find reasons and ways to enjoy life and help others. He lived well, and he lived long.

Perhaps fittingly, his final resting place will be beside his son, Chuck.

Private military services were held at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com

The arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.