Lonnie Roark, 70, of Mooresville, N.C., went home to be with his Lord and his beautiful wife Judy, on Saturday, June 18, 2016, from the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C. Lonnie was born on February 18, 1946 to the late Walter and Viola Johnson Roark. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Hitechew Roark, and one brother, David Roark.
Lonnie retired as a quality control manager and was a United States Marine veteran, having served during the Vietnam Era. He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed hot rod cars, gardening, and reading and studying the Bible.
Lonnie was a loving, gentle faithful man, who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Adam Roark and wife Patty of Mooresville, N.C.; his daughter, Carrie Roark-Whited and husband Billy of Catawba, N.C.; a granddaughter, Jaden Roark of Mooresville, N.C.; one step-granddaughter, Zoey Baumgardner of Mooresville, N.C.; two step-grandsons, Corey and Cody Whitehead, both of Mooresville, N.C.; one step-great-grandchild, Brody Allen Whitehead of Mooresville, N.C.; two sisters, Mary Brengard of Nevada and Marge Heglar and husband George of Lancaster, S.C.; one brother, Jonnie Roark and wife Burma of Clairemont, N.C.; a special niece, Kathy Heaton of Roan Mountain, Tenn.; and a special friend, “Murphy.” Several other nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Lonnie Roark will be conducted at 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, in the Rhododendron Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home of Roan Mountain with Rev. Tommy Burleson officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 1 until 3 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service, or at the residence of his niece, Kathy Heaton and husband Rick, at anytime. The graveside service will follow in the Johnson-Roanview Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be Rick Heaton, Rob Dugger, Correy Dugger, Darrell Hitechew, Joe Hitechew and Robby Holderfield. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Bible Study Life Group at the Cove and members of the Cove Church. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625, in honor of Lonnie. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Roark family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.