Tom is survived by his wife of 49 years, Christinia “Tina” Roark of Bradenton, FL; daughter, Lisa Scotto and her husband Joe of Wake Forest, NC; grandchildren, Claire and Thomas Scotto; siblings, John Roark of Bristol, VA, Betty Harless of Kingsport, TN, Roger Roark of Keedysville, MD and Phil Roark of Falling Waters, WV; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Roark and Mary Lucille Henry Roark; sister, Shirley Ketron; brothers, Milton Roark, Doug Roark, Walt Roark, Garnett Roark and Allen Roark all of Bristol, VA.
Tom was born on October 30, 1946 in Bristol, VA to Joe and Mary Lucille Roark. He grew up on the family farm, and graduated from John S. Battle High School and Virginia Highlands Community College. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967 where he served in Korea. After returning home, he moved to Cabin John, MD where he met his wife, Tina. They were married in 1969 in Bethesda, MD. He spent his career at the VA Medical Center in Washington, DC and retired in 1999 as the Foreman of Plant Operations. In 2003, he and Tina relocated to Bradenton, FL to enjoy the warmer weather and sunshine.
Tom was accomplished at many things but was known to be handy and able to fix anything. He learned the game of golf during his retirement and loved spending his days perfecting his swing and socializing with friends. He was a lifelong Methodist and member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He was a generous and caring individual who loved his family and always had a special place in his heart for our veterans and military. His family and friends will miss his humor and endless wit that he maintained even into his last days.
A visitation with viewing is scheduled for Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 12:30 at Mitchell Funeral Home in Raleigh, NC, with funeral to begin at 2:00pm. Graveside service will be held immediately afterward at Raleigh Memorial Park. Family and friends are welcome to Lisa and Joe’s home afterward to celebrate Tom’s life.
The family would like to thank the VA Medical Center in Bay Pines, FL; Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL and Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota, FL for all their assistance and care.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18