Celebration of a Great Life is Announced!

“On this day Monday December 30th 2024, Mr. AL Roach traveled from the earthly plane at 11:11AM, surrounded by the love of his beautiful wife (Olivia Roach) and three adult (40's and 50's) children.”

                                                                                       UPDATES:

Visitation: Visitation/Viewing to be held at Royal Funeral Home at Oakwood Ave. And Jordan Lane/53 on Thursday January 9, 2024 from 4pm to 6pm. 

Change Due to Weather: Funeral has been moved to Wednesday, January 15, 2024 at (same time) 10am to approximately noon.  

AL is to be transported to his final resting place next to his mum in Florence, AL at Wesley Chapel County Rd. 15 on Wednesday after the funeral. There will be a simple, private grave-side event with family and friends in Florence, AL. Olivia ensured that Alexander would be buried beside his mother, just as he had requested of her. She did make it happen. As of November 25, 2025 (one month shy of the one year anniversary of his passing, Olivia had a monument placed upon his bare grave. 

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                          The Celebration of a Great Life: Mr. Alexander H. Roach, Jr. “The Man with 12 Lives!”

Born on May 5, 1942, in Florence, AL, to Carrie Ingram Hobbs and Alexander “Sonny” Roach (both deceased), AL was affectionately known by many as “Red,” “Scout Master,” “Mr. Roach,” World Robotics “Coach Roach,” and “Grandaddy.” He was a man of great intellect, compassion, and dedication, whose life made a lasting impact on all who knew him.

A distinguished husband, father, and upstanding citizen as well as an undeniable professional-industry broker, AL’s legacy is one of dedication, service, and unwavering strength.

He was deeply and very publicly devoted to his wife, Olivia, and their bond grew even stronger in their final years together. The couple’s love story endured for a decade, culminating in a renewed vow of commitment during and after a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC, whereas after returning to their Harvest Home, they shared their promise to renew their vows to one another officially-upon their return, and did so. He and friends were so excited and when AL was asked by friends why the renewal of vows, he responded with loving and kind words.

After living to see another Christmas-AL passed peacefully in Olivia’s arms with his adult children nearby. After a decade of Olivia's loving care and progressively intensified caregiving (her labor of love), which had sustained him by the Grace of God so many times prior throughout their ten plus year union on Fairington Road NW in Huntsville; even with a dedicated team of doctors, surgeons and medical professionals who were familiar to Olivia and AL (some new to them)-efforts to save him did not have the desired effect that 13th time around, thus his expiration and final nick-name, "The man with twelve lives."

AL’s upbringing in Florence shaped his character and drive. He graduated from West End High School and went on to Alabama A&M University, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He was an accomplished athlete in both baseball and football, he also excelled academically. His career spanned multiple industries, including work for Hibbett Sports, 3M, Xerox, and Honeywell. He also worked as a Primerica Insurance Broker, helping to empower families and individuals with financial guidance, and generational wealth, especially in the Black lower and middle class community.

AL dedicated 40 years to serving the U.S. government as a distinguished Electromechanical Systems Engineer, General Engineer, and Contracting Officer Representative (COR). His work with DARPA and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Three-phrased program led to significant technological advancements and contributions which facilitated what the U.S. Government considers- “Going Big.” including a multi-million-dollar venture that earned his team a visit to the White House to meet a sitting President on the topic of advanced manufacturing via Step Tools.

A proud union member and recipient of the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for voluntary service-AL was also deeply involved in his community in a more practical sense. He mentored young minds through the Boy Scouts of America, leading the all Black Boy Scout Troop 145 out of Florence, AL to prominence. All of whom have gone on to create their ‘own’ greatness. One is now a prominent pastor (Rickie Cole - Florence, AL), another a military leader, another an aerospace engineer, and the list just goes on and on.

Mr. Roach mentored Youth Robotics on Redstone Arsenal which required annual FBI background checks. He also mentored with  the 100 Black Men of America Greater Huntsville Chapter, and the Lego Robotics Team landing a Huntsville High School into the World Lego Robotics Competition. AL  was also an active member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., among other fraternal orders.

Surviving him are his lovely wife, Olivia Roach, MScD, a Harvard affiliated and prestigious Christian-based Pepperdine University (Malibu, CA) educated and distinguished businesswoman, with a background in medical, aerospace medicine, and government security and military base eligibility and management as an endorsement official. Also, his distinguished daughters Alexia,  (Madison, AL) and Adrienne Lysandra Roach (Silver Spring, MD to Colorado) Food Scientist; son Brian Alexander Roach (Huntsville, AL); grandson David K. A. Matthews (Washington, D.C.); his sister, Zandra Roach (Florence, AL); and a host of extended family and friends.

Dedications and grave and other memorials and markers are all completed or pending installation as of November 25, 2025.

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the remarkable life of AL Roach—a man whose legacy will continue to inspire, guide, and strengthen all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He will be sorely missed-by all.

** Notice:

This obituary is a more personable, modified version of the original to change potentially solemn themes into a celebration of life. The official obituary may be found at; https://tinyurl.com/ALAndOliviaRoach121Fairington

(Video, audio, and photos coming soon...)

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