Arthur Leon Roach

Arthur “Leon” Roach, 72, of Fairview, NC transitioned from this life to his Heavenly Home
on September 29, 2023. He passed peacefully after a long, brave battle with PSP, (Progressive
Supranuclear Palsy) surrounded by loved ones.
Leon was born in Rutherford County on February 15, 1951, to Emily Young Roach. His
father was Arthur Lee Roach, both deceased. He grew up in Forest City, NC and attended East
Rutherford High School. After graduation in 1969 he came to the mountains of Western North
Carolina where he lived out most of the remainder of his life.
Leon attended Western Carolina University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Industrial Technology in 1973. He worked for Daniel Construction, living briefly in
Columbia and Florence, SC. The mountains called him back and he returned to WCU to obtain a
Master of Science degree in Industrial Education in 1977. From there he began his 30-year
career as a teacher and coach at A.C. Reynolds High School. He enjoyed teaching construction,
drafting, and principles of technology. Many young men went on to have successful careers
from the foundation he instilled.
Leon loved coaching! Lifelong memories and friendships have remained a blessing
through football and golf. He devoted 26 years to the men’s golf program and in 2001
established and coached women’s golf as well. Throughout the years his teams won several
conference championships, he won many Coach of the Year awards, and was inducted into the
A.C. Reynolds Athletic Hall of Fame. He and his classes enjoyed building projects around the
school, like the big concrete “R” at the endzone of the football field, assisting staff with their
needs, and especially building sets for many plays and musicals. (One of his best was the set for
Les Misérables that received applause and standing ovation at every performance as the
barricade was turned!)
After retirement in 2007 he enjoyed working in his shop at home creating treasures for
others to enjoy. Missing people and students, he accepted an invitation to acquire his CDL and
drive a tour bus. He especially enjoyed driving college teams to major sporting events, school
children on field trip adventures, and various church groups to camps and conferences.
Leon’s dedication to family and career was fueled by his deep faith and passion for
Christ. He served the church as deacon, chairman of the board, Sunday school teacher, and
choir member. He and his classes helped with the construction of Covenant Community Church
and his last years he served at The Church at Asheville.
He had a huge love for the Emmaus and Chrysalis communities he served! From serving
on many boards, to cooking, making tea, praying, singing, and even acting in a skit, this was
truly where he found his calling and forever close ties.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 years, Judy Davis Roach, daughter Amanda
Nix and husband Stephen, son Carson Roach and wife Olivia, his two granddaughters, Bailey Nix
and Eleanor Roach, and his brother Charles Roach and wife Billie Vess. There are also many
cousins, nieces and nephews who loved and admired him dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Covenant Community Church on November 11, 2023
at 11:00 AM. Fellowship will follow the service.
Covenant Community Church
11 Rocket Dr, #100
Asheville, NC 28803
In lieu of flowers and because of Leon’s commitment to education, a fund has been
established in his memory to someday be his contribution to further the education of his two
granddaughters. Donations may be sent to:
A Leon Roach Memorial Fund
First Bank – Reynolds
5 Olde Eastwood Village Blvd.
Asheville, NC 28803

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