Michael Roach

Michael Anthony Roach completed his work here on this earth and was called home to Jesus on September 9, 2020 after an incredibly hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer.  He fought harder than anyone can ever imagine! Mike was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on July 30, 1959 to his parents, Tom and Beverly Roach.  Oh, how they loved that boy! Mike was the first born of Tom and Bev’s four children, and he took his role as the oldest very seriously.  He was a true big brother to his younger brothers, Dean and Cary Dan, and his little sister, Lori.  He was the rock of the family in every sense of the word and always took charge and took care of all of them.

Mike leaves behind his “Darlin’”, Anna.  They loved living a big life together surrounded by family and friends.  They also loved traveling around the world and finding adventure everywhere they went.  Among other places, their adventures took them on Caribbean cruises, an Alaskan cruise, trips to the east coast and the west coast, the Smoky Mountains, and even a trip through the Holy Lands in Israel a couple of years ago.  While in Israel, Mike and Anna were both baptized in the Jordan River by a Baptist pastor named John.  Mike loved telling everyone that he was baptized by John the Baptist, just like Jesus.  With all of the traveling that they did, it might surprise some people to know that one of Mike’s favorite places to visit was right here in Texas at Big Bend.  He loved his trips there with his two brothers and their friends and even took Anna there a couple of times to show it off to her.

Mike loved spending time with his two children, Michael and Kristen, and their families, including 7 grandchildren.  He was so very proud of all of them!  His face would light up when he talked about his kids and grandkids, and he was always up for having a good time with them.  He often had as much fun as the kids did when they were playing together.

Mike began his career at Citgo Refinery in 1985 and hit the 35 year mark at the end of July.  It thrilled him to no end that his son, Michael, followed in his footsteps and began his career out there in 2005.  With them working together, Mike was known out at Citgo as Papa Roach.  He was so very loved and respected by his coworkers, and Mike’s family appreciates them so much for all that they did for him, especially during the last 9 months.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman and loved activities like fishing, kayaking, and spending time at his deer lease.  He was always up for a drive down the beach or through the hill country and enjoyed searching through what many of us would see as junk at weekend market days.  He always had an idea of how he could turn this junk into something spectacular.

Mike had many hobbies that could have easily turned into professions.  His love of photography began as a teenager when he would not only take the pictures but would also develop them in the darkroom that he created at home.  He has a photography website that showcases much of his work ranging from family snapshots to incredible scenery to weddings that he and Anna both worked to photograph. He was also a master woodcrafter.  The guy could build anything!  He started working as a carpenter helper with his grandfather back when he was a teenager.  Over the years, he created many things including artwork, cabinetry, furniture, and even an entire tiny cabin that he was so very proud to show off.  There was no end to the projects that Mike was always working on, and he was happiest when he was working out in his shop.  He had so many inventions that he came up with over the years and could always figure out a solution to getting something to work better. He even had dreams of writing a book, and his idea for the storyline could have probably been a bestseller.  It was not uncommon to hear from those who knew him, “That Mike can do anything!”  It seemed like he really could do anything.

Mike is survived by his wife, Anna Roach; his parents, Tom and Beverly Roach; his children, Michael Roach (Stacie) and Kristen Arnold (Robert); stepson, Robert Salinas; brothers, Dean Roach (Amanda) and Cary Dan Roach (Carie); sister, Lori Leal (Gabriel); grandkids, Kaleb, Hunter, Chloe, Kenzie, Walker, Trevor, and Elizabeth; brother-in-law, Kokie Gonzales; sister-in-law, Linda Sanchez; several nieces and nephews; and many friends who are like family.  Mike is preceded in death by his grandparents and his stepson, Abel Salinas.

Mike will be unbelievably missed by so many people, but he leaves behind such a wonderful legacy.  The world was a better place with him in it.  He was faithful to God until the very end, and his family rejoices in the knowledge that they will be reunited with him again someday.  Until then, he will watch over us all and even show up in little ways from time to time.

Please join us in celebrating Mike’s life at the services under the care of Sawyer-George Funeral Home, 12497 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78410.

https://www.sawyergeorgefuneralhome.com/

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society.

https://donate3.cancer.org/