1928
Ernest
2015
Ernest Warren Roakes
November 19, 1928 — May 31, 2015
Ernest Warren Roakes, 86, of Lynchburg died peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Heritage Green. He was the devoted husband of Virginia Tyree Roakes for 65 years. In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughter, Linda Roakes Crist, his son Edward Wayne Roakes, daughter- in- law Barbara Price Roakes, and his granddaughter, Emily Winston Roakes.
Ernest was born in Lynchburg November 19, 1928 to John Ernest Roakes and Ellen Bryant Roakes. He graduated from EC Glass High School then joined the US Navy where he served on the USS Bashaw and the USS Bumper submarines from 1949 to 1951.
After discharge from the US Navy, Ernest worked for Vaughan Chevrolet before being recruited for sales by Metropolitan Life Insurance. He retired from Metropolitan Life with over 40 years of service in both sales and management. After retiring he worked part-time for Bobby Cash Auto Parts and again for Vaughan Chevrolet and Cadillac.
Ernest was a Master Mason (Forest Lodge #245) and a 32nd degree Mason (Scottish Rite Lynchburg Lodge). For many years he was an active member of the Forest Ruritan Club and a volunteer with the Forest Recreation Center. He was a member of Shiloh United Methodist Church for over 50 years and served on the Board of Directors.
Ernest was pre-deceased by his parents, twin brothers Clarence Thomas Roakes and Lawrence Edward Roakes, his mother-in-law, Christine Driskill Tyree, his brother-in-law, David Eugene Tyree, sister-in-law, Gloria Robey Tyree, brother-in-law William David Crews Sr., and a special niece by marriage, Lisa Keene Roakes.
Additional survivors include his sister-in-law Nancy Campbell Roakes, sister Gladys Roakes Crews, and nephews Lawrence T. Roakes (Martha), Gary M. Roakes, Barry Tyree (Carolyn), Larry Tyree, Stuart Tyree (Kim), Scott Tyree (Stacie), Michael Tyree (Mikaela), and William David Crews Jr.
If asked what he would like to have written about him, Ernest would tell you that he was the luckiest man in the world. He would tell you that he had the perfect wife, children he was proud of, and a home that was paid for. He would tell you that he loved submarines and that he would have been a career submariner but that a pretty girl (Virginia) stole his heart. He might tell you that he would love to have flown with the Blue Angels but it was okay that he hadn’t. Most likely he would tell you a joke right after he told you that the key to a good life was to never be afraid to do the right thing. Ernest would say that it took no longer to do something right than it did to do it twice. He was a man who believed in honesty and hard work.
Ernest Roakes wasn’t bothered by small things. Once, when the deer destroyed his garden, he shrugged his shoulders and said “they have to eat too”. What bothered Ernest Roakes was seeing people mistreated. He had a firm handshake and a smile for everyone he met and believed that laughter and a smile would go a long way in healing what was wrong in the world.
Ernest loved the mountains and the ocean. He also loved the challenge of building or fixing things and, he whistled while he worked. Ernest enjoyed working outside in his garden or yard but he wasn’t afraid of or too proud to do the laundry or cook a meal. There was nothing he would not do for his bride. Mostly, he just loved people and saw goodness in everyone he met. He was a friend you could count on in good times or bad. He was…a good man. Alzheimer’s disease may have stolen most of his memories but even it could not diminish his desire to make others smile. Laughter was the best medicine of all, he said.
There will be no visitation or service but should you want to honor the life of Ernest Roakes, please consider a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1022 Commerce St, Lynchburg, VA 24504
The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. William Blackman for his devoted care and friendship, Dr. Peter Betz for his skillful guidance, Seven Hills Hospice and the amazing staff at Heritage Green Assisted Living for love and care for which there are no words. Ernest said many times that you were indeed his angels here on earth.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. Condolences may be made by visiting www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.
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Ernest was born in Lynchburg November 19, 1928 to John Ernest Roakes and Ellen Bryant Roakes. He graduated from EC Glass High School then joined the US Navy where he served on the USS Bashaw and the USS Bumper submarines from 1949 to 1951.
After discharge from the US Navy, Ernest worked for Vaughan Chevrolet before being recruited for sales by Metropolitan Life Insurance. He retired from Metropolitan Life with over 40 years of service in both sales and management. After retiring he worked part-time for Bobby Cash Auto Parts and again for Vaughan Chevrolet and Cadillac.
Ernest was a Master Mason (Forest Lodge #245) and a 32nd degree Mason (Scottish Rite Lynchburg Lodge). For many years he was an active member of the Forest Ruritan Club and a volunteer with the Forest Recreation Center. He was a member of Shiloh United Methodist Church for over 50 years and served on the Board of Directors.
Ernest was pre-deceased by his parents, twin brothers Clarence Thomas Roakes and Lawrence Edward Roakes, his mother-in-law, Christine Driskill Tyree, his brother-in-law, David Eugene Tyree, sister-in-law, Gloria Robey Tyree, brother-in-law William David Crews Sr., and a special niece by marriage, Lisa Keene Roakes.
Additional survivors include his sister-in-law Nancy Campbell Roakes, sister Gladys Roakes Crews, and nephews Lawrence T. Roakes (Martha), Gary M. Roakes, Barry Tyree (Carolyn), Larry Tyree, Stuart Tyree (Kim), Scott Tyree (Stacie), Michael Tyree (Mikaela), and William David Crews Jr.
If asked what he would like to have written about him, Ernest would tell you that he was the luckiest man in the world. He would tell you that he had the perfect wife, children he was proud of, and a home that was paid for. He would tell you that he loved submarines and that he would have been a career submariner but that a pretty girl (Virginia) stole his heart. He might tell you that he would love to have flown with the Blue Angels but it was okay that he hadn’t. Most likely he would tell you a joke right after he told you that the key to a good life was to never be afraid to do the right thing. Ernest would say that it took no longer to do something right than it did to do it twice. He was a man who believed in honesty and hard work.
Ernest Roakes wasn’t bothered by small things. Once, when the deer destroyed his garden, he shrugged his shoulders and said “they have to eat too”. What bothered Ernest Roakes was seeing people mistreated. He had a firm handshake and a smile for everyone he met and believed that laughter and a smile would go a long way in healing what was wrong in the world.
Ernest loved the mountains and the ocean. He also loved the challenge of building or fixing things and, he whistled while he worked. Ernest enjoyed working outside in his garden or yard but he wasn’t afraid of or too proud to do the laundry or cook a meal. There was nothing he would not do for his bride. Mostly, he just loved people and saw goodness in everyone he met. He was a friend you could count on in good times or bad. He was…a good man. Alzheimer’s disease may have stolen most of his memories but even it could not diminish his desire to make others smile. Laughter was the best medicine of all, he said.
There will be no visitation or service but should you want to honor the life of Ernest Roakes, please consider a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1022 Commerce St, Lynchburg, VA 24504
The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. William Blackman for his devoted care and friendship, Dr. Peter Betz for his skillful guidance, Seven Hills Hospice and the amazing staff at Heritage Green Assisted Living for love and care for which there are no words. Ernest said many times that you were indeed his angels here on earth.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. Condolences may be made by visiting www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.
View Tribute Video
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