WILMINGTON — Lanier Madison “Lee” Roach, 81, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, after a courageous 10-month battle with cancer.
Lee was born Nov. 20, 1935, the son of the late Carvin Gardner Roach and Sudie Lee Roach. Following graduation from Shallotte High School, he married Janice Holden Roach. He served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years and later as a civil servant with The Sunny Point Fire Department.
Lee was an entrepreneur and visionary who started many businesses; most notably, D&L Trucking Company of Wilmington, East Coast Leasing of Greensboro and Harbor Side Yachts of Wilmington. Lee never turned down a challenge.
He loved adventures, travel and spending time on the water with his boats and family. His passion for the sea led him to obtain his captain’s license.
Throughout his life, he made many lasting, lifetime friendships. He loved his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ and never missed an opportunity to help another. His faith in the power of the Lord never wavered during his illness.
A loving father and grandfather, he will be missed greatly. In later years, he enjoyed greeting customers and helping his wife of seven years, Pam, manage and operate Ernie’s Hair Care.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela Finch Roach of Wilmington, who was his caretaker, best friend and forever love; sister, Betty Clemmons of Supply; mother-in-law, Mary Finch of Wilmington; son, Douglas Lanier Roach, and his wife, Danielle, of Wilmington; daughters, Pamela Barker Colwell, and her husband, Albert, of Wilmington, Amanda Jean Kunkel and Samantha Jean Myrick of Wilmington; grandchildren, Samantha Koch, and her husband, Lee, Sydney Barker, Matthew Colwell, Trevor Roach and Seth Roach.
Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. The family will see friends from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service.
Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project Inc., 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Telephone 904.296.7350.
