Roark, James Harold, 85, of Plant City, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2019. He was born in Kentucky on December 29, 1933. He moved with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.S. Roark, to the Plant City area where he lived most of his life.
He graduated from Plant City High School in 1952, where he played linebacker on their championship football team. In 1954, after he completed diesel mechanics school, he married Barbara Rowe and went to work for the Big Inch Natural Gas Pipeline Construction Company - nationwide. Later, he developed an outer sprocket bearing for the Northwest Engineering Company and attained top honors from the International Union of Operating Engineers. He set nine world records in his field for design and pipe construction. He moved back to Plant City in 1962 to start Roark Equipment Service Company. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the B.P.O.E. Lodge, Plant City; where he was elected Exalted Ruler in 1967.
James is survived by four children; Diane Fleming, Vicky Conner, Kim Wilhjelm and Jim Roark; five grandchildren; William Hawkins, Hannah, Madison and Erin Wilhjelm and Breanna Clark. The funeral service will be 10a.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Wells Memorial Chapel. Viewing is at 9 a.m..
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Wells Memorial, 1903 W Reynolds St, Plant City, FL. Visitation will be held one hour prior, from 9:00-10:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Oak Lawn West Cemetery.
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