Gary Odom Roach, 76, finished his race, kept the faith, and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Gary was the second child of Ed and Teresa Roach and grew up in Rutledge, Tennessee with his brother Dennis and a tight-knit group of friends who remained close for life.

He delighted in telling stories about his childhood adventures which included riding his pony around town, learning to barter with old timers in his Papaw Roach’s store, and hitching rides with truck drivers en route to Knoxville so he could catch the latest movie.

He was a 1967 graduate of Rutledge High School, a 1971 graduate of East Tennessee State University (Bachelor of Education), and a 1974 graduate of the University of Montevallo, Alabama (Master of Educational Administration).

Fresh out of college and still a young bachelor, Gary decided to take the scenic route – literally– logging miles behind the wheel of a semi-truck. After this three-year adventure, which took him to nearly every U.S. state, he returned to education, where he spent the rest of his career making a lasting impact.

He worked as a teacher in Grainger County; transportation supervisor and assistant principal in Hamblen County; assistant principal in Jefferson County; and finally principal of Sevier County High School. “Mr. Roach” led SCHS for eighteen years and is, to date, the longest serving principal in school history. He was proud of his staff and students and reveled in their academic, athletic, musical, dramatic, and extracurricular accomplishments during his time at the helm and into retirement. He was truly a Smoky Bear for Life. Those who worked with him remember him as a servant leader who prioritized relationships.

He surrounded himself with people who possessed a variety of talents, building teams that kept the best interest of students as the focal point. He was a visionary leader who was instrumental in founding SCHS’s annual “Smoky Salutes” Veterans Day program and the Sevier County High School Alumni Association. During his tenure, SCHS won its first two team state championships, football in 1999 and girls basketball in 2002.

His career accomplishments included being named Tennessee Transportation Supervisor of the Year, TSSAA Regional Principal of the Year, and Tennessee Secondary Principal of the Year. The City of Sevierville proclaimed April 30, 2009, “Gary Roach Day” to honor his retirement. In 2023, he was inducted into the Sevier County Education Hall of Fame. Outside of his career, his achievements included membership in Rotary International and The Gideons International. He also became an avid walker and golfer in retirement, proudly boasting a hole-in-one at Cypress Head Golf Club in Florida in April 2017.

Gary was an active member of First Baptist Church Sevierville, where he served as a lifetime deacon and taught Sunday School classes until only a month ago. He dedicated 40 years combined to teaching Sunday School in Sevierville, at First Baptist Church of South Daytona (his second church home), and at Manley Baptist Church in Morristown.

His church family will remember him as a leader, teacher, encourager, discussion-facilitator, and loyal friend. He was an example of unwavering faith, regardless of the challenges of this world.

Gary was the example of a loving and faithful husband, committing to a life-long relationship after meeting Darlene on a blind date.

He was a devoted father, and his girls will never forget his humor, encouragement, and advice. He showed them a love for the Lord and committed to praying for them without ceasing.

He loved his grandchildren, and they will always remember Papaw’s lectures and jokes. The love he had for his family was evident to anyone who met him. He was committed to sharing the Gospel, making others feel valued and loved. Gary shared these words, published in a 2024 storybook to his family: “Over the years, it has become clear to me that obedience to our Heavenly Father and trying to live by His Word is what He would have us do throughout our lives. My prayer for you reading this is that you commit yourselves to our Lord and His Word until He calls us all to be residents of that glorious heavenly home.”

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Teresa Roach, and brother Dennis Roach.

He is survived by his wife Darlene, who was by his side for nearly five decades; four daughters, Sally (Whit) Helton; Sandra Roach; Susan (Andy) Steele; and Sarah (Will) Allen; seven grandchildren, Zachary Newsome; John and Erin Tate; Preslee Cubberley; Hunter and Abigale Allen; and Mason Manning; sister-in-law Glenda Roach and children Willie, Candace, and Julia; and brother-in-law Quentin Seals and his daughter Grant. He also leaves behind countless other family members and close friends. All who knew him miss his earthly presence but celebrate his complete healing in Heaven. Gary is where he longed to be.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions to the Sevier County High School Foundation, PO Box 4124, Sevierville, TN 37864 (include “Gary Roach Scholarship” on the memo line) or The Gideons International, Sevierville-Kodak Camp, PO Box 5277, Sevierville, TN 37864 or online at www.gideons.org (include “In Memory of Gary Roach”).

The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 12 from 2-4:45 PM at First Baptist Church Sevierville. A worship service and celebration of life will follow at 5 PM. Gary would be thrilled if you would choose something purple to wear, a nod to his beloved Smoky Bears. The graveside service will take place at Hamblen Memory Gardens in Morristown on Monday, April 13 at 11 AM.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville.