Hurt…….Oscar Joe Roach, 98, of Hurt, Virginia peacefully passed away on August 29. He has joined in Heaven his beloved wife of 60 years, Geneva Pearl Roach.  Oscar was born January 25, 1926 in the Midway area of Pittsylvania County, the son of William Gabriel Roach and Mary Brooks Roach.

He is survived by his daughter, Phyllis Roach of Hurt, his son, Donnie Roach (Debi) of Mechanicsville, his dear granddaughter Abigail Roach (Austin) of Mechanicsville, and his adored great-granddaughter Memphis Pearl Kellar.

In addition, Oscar is survived by brothers Paul Roach of Reidsville, NC, Fitzhugh Roach of Gretna, and Roy Roach (Helen) of Chatham. He was predeceased by brothers, William (Jesse), Kermit (Minnie), Thomas (Carrie), Woodrow (Fannie), and Jack (Elsie); sisters, Effie Newman (Junior), and Louise Newman (Lewis.); and sisters-in-law, Marie Roach and Ann Roach.  He leaves behind many loved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Oscar was a World War II Army veteran and served from 1944 -1953 in France and Germany. He was part of the battle in the Ardenne region of France where due to the severe frostbite Oscar spent 21 days recovering in a military hospital. After the war ended he served in the Ober Ramstadt region of Germany in various capacities but primarily at an Army tire retreading depot and as a MP. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, two Battle Stars, and a Bronze Star for his service.  Oscar talked frequently of his time in the military and despite the tragedies he witnessed he chose to remember his fellow soldier brothers and their experiences with gratitude and fondness.

When Oscar returned to Pittsylvania County in 1953 he began a mechanics training program and then employment with Klopman Mills where he worked for 42 years. He volunteered in many capacities in his community including twelve years with the Altavista Rescue Squad, eleven years as a Town of Hurt Councilman, numerous years as a church Deacon, and he was always lending a hand where needed.

Oscar and Geneva attended New Prospect Baptist Church for 25 years before transferring membership back to his family's church, Midway Baptist. During the pandemic he began attending parking lot church at First Southern Baptist and he remained with that church until his passing. Oscar was always thankful for the fellowship and community he and his family found in church and he lived his Christian values. He read his Bible every morning before setting off on his day's activities and every meal began with thanks and a kiss for Geneva.

After Oscar lost his beloved Geneva he was fortunate to find a community of friends at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford. He participated in their Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC and loved the camaraderie and gratitude of the attendees. Oscar was treated like the soldier he was at their Veterans', D-Day, and Memorial Day ceremonies and was touched by the honor.  Additionally, Oscar was filmed for the National Archives - WWII Stories and also by a Normandy Battlefield guide as part of the WWII Veterans' Memories project. His stories and direct experience provided invaluable insight into the historical record.

Oscar loved his community, his family, and his country. His presence for 98 years was a gift and he'll be deeply missed. The family wants to give a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Gretna Health and Rehabilitation Center for their care and humor to Oscar in the last five months of his life. They had a joyful relationship and his nickname Papa Roach made him laugh each day. We also want to thank his home caregivers over these last few years as they enabled him to spend his last years in the home he loved.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to a Veterans' Association, the D-Day Memorial, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Funeral services conducted 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 1, 2024 at Midway Baptist Church by Rev. Lynn Marstin.  Burial with Military Honors by American Legion Altavista Post 36 and Gretna Post 232 will follow in the church cemetery.

A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service at Midway Baptist Church and all are welcome.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.