John McKim Roache, Jr.

Mr. John McKim Roache, Jr., 77, husband of Donna Phillips Roache and a resident of Parksley, VA, passed away on Monday, April 9, 2018 with his loving family at his side.  Johnny was born on October 17, 1940, in Nassawadox, VA,  to the late John McKim Roache, Sr. and Josephine West Roache. 

As the former owner and operator of the Owl Restaurant and Motel, for 64 years, you can’t mention the name Johnny Roache without reflecting on his dedication to serve locals and travelers delicious home-cooked meals and homemade desserts 364 days a year.  Johnny took pride in providing the community with a social gathering place where they could enjoy good, simple food and the latest news or gossip.  He treasured the friendships that he developed with so many of his customers over the years.  Those who knew Johnny will remember an iron grip handshake and a fair and honorable man of his word, unable to turn away someone in need.  Above all, he loved his family beyond this lifetime here on earth.

In addition to his wife of 52 years, he is survived by two children, Holly Roache Jones and husband Will of Virginia Beach, VA, and John Custis Roache and wife Wendy of Onley, VA; grandchildren, Amanda Kelly Roache and Joshua Custis Roache; son (nephew), Durbin Henry Roache and wife Sarah of Onancock, VA; and their children, Ella Roache and Mary McKim Roache, named in honor of her Uncle; special cousin, Clara Jo Thomas and husband Ronnie; brother-in-law, George Phillips and wife Judy; several nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and his granddogs, Maggie and Daisy Jones.  Other than his parents, Johnny was predeceased by his precious twin daughters, Mary Eve and Ann May Roache; and his brother, Joseph Toni Roache. 

A memorial service will be held at Broadway Baptist Church on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 3:00 p.m., with The Reverends David Boothe and Robert L. Smoot officiating.  The family will greet friends at the church one hour prior to the service.  A private family interment will be held at the Edgehill Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Lloyd J. Kellam III Heart Center at RSMH, C/O Pamela Parker-Dix, P.O. Box 430, Onancock, VA 23417, or to  St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105 (www.stjude.org).

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.

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