Wallace E. "Wally" Roach, Jr.

Wallace “Wally” Roach, Jr., of Wallys Corner Store, Rustburg, joined his heavenly family on Friday, May 31, 2024.

 He was born in Frankfort, Kentucky, on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1953, which was his turkey day. He moved with his family to Lynchburg, VA in 1960 when his father took a position with General Electric.

 He was the owner and operator of the family business alongside of his mother and sisters, until his mothers’ passing 6 years ago, for 38 years. He took great pride that up until the last year there hadn’t been a single day the store hadn’t opened, some days opened late and other days he may have closed early, but never closed for an entire day in 38 years. He had a dream to build that store. It has become a community staple and landmark. It seemed at one time or another, everyone had passed through the doors of “Wallys”.

 He is preceded in death by his father, Wallace Errol Roach, Sr.; mother, Ruth Elaine Wash Roach; maternal grandmother, Emma “Mim” Smith Wash; and his beloved daughter, Angela Dawn Roach.

 He is survived by his wife Terry Dooley Roach of 22 years; sisters, Karen McLaughlin (Anthony Wicks) and Chris Ann Wilson (Roy); nephew, Timothy “Ta timmmy” McLaughlin (Tabitha); former brother-in-law, Richard McLaughlin; stepson, Scott Silby; long time friends Chris Burks, Todd Staples, Alex McFarland, Bryant Riggs, and Dr. Harb Rank; and many other loving family members and friends.

 He attended Brookville High School and was pivotal in the dress code and hair length being challenged and changed during his high school years.

  He always took pride that he worked at Hill City Wholesale in his younger years. 

 Wally always played to the sound of his own guitar and was his own unique self. His love of music was found very early in age when he got one of his first guitars on Christmas Day at the age of 12. He formed a garage band that practiced at the homes of his and his friends. His musical talent, knowledge, and love of guitars just grew from there. He became well-known in the music scene both locally and nationally. He was involved with many bands including, XXX. Wally was proud of his guitar shop where “West End Stereo” was located which turned into "Wallys Madaxe Guitars" on Memorial Avenue, which later relocated back to the store on Candlers Mountain Road in later years. For many years he traveled the country to national guitar shows from New York to Florida, California, and everywhere in between. At one time he was the number 6th distributor of BC Rich guitars in the nation. He was presented with a special guitar by Semie Moseley founder of Mosrite guitars. It was an M88, 2nd one produced. Also, Bernie Ricko, son of founder of BC Rich Guitars presented Wally with the first ever produced "carved top Warlock" which he signed.

 He met many talented musicians during those times. Just a few to mention Slash, John Kay, Billy Gibbons, Steve Vai, Greg Martin, Zakk Wylde, Steve Hogarth of Marillion, Chris Layton, Tommy Shannon, both players for Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Keith Roscoe of Roscoe Guitars.

 As he aged his Faith in the Lord only grew stronger as did his love for his Country, animals, and involvement in politics. He was an avid Trump supporter whose belief in him never wavered. He never missed a single day of listening to "Rush Limbaugh Show" on the radio. If you called while it was on he would say he had to go.  He had the utmost respect for those who chose to serve and protect in any capacity as well as all the Veterans. Anytime he saw one of them out he would personally go up to them, shake their hand, and thank them for their service. 

 He was a devout believer of Christ and a member of Amazing Grace Ministries in Lynchburg with Pastor Bill Evans. He was raised in a Christian home and baptized at an early age, he told his family he was actually saved when he was approached by two LU students at the age of 17. He treasured the countless hours Alex and him spent in the store talking about music and life in general, especially the Lord expanding his knowledge and faith, which solidified his understanding of what it meant to be a true believer in Christ.

 He went nowhere without the apple of his eye and constant companion Sue Sue of 9 years. Then Penny Lane came on the scene last year and she filled his heart even more than he could have imagined.  Of course, Penny Lane was named after his absolute favorite band (that started it all with his love of music) the Beatles with George Harrison being his favorite.

 One of his other greatest accomplishments that he was very proud of was his live TV show “The Wally Show” which ran locally for 13 years. People still speak of the show to this day. He always said he was a star in his own right.

 All that knew Wally could attest to his over-the-top humor and shenanigans that most likely began the second he was born.

 So it seems somewhat fitting that he left us on the last day of National Hamburger Month.

 “Hey Karen bring me a Cheeseburger” 

 Please consider donations to the Terry Roach fund through Tharp Funeral Home

 Eh Th Th Th Th Th Th Th “That’s all Folks”!!

There will be a visitation at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg on Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 4 P.M.- 6 P.M. with a service on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 3 P.M. at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.

 Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.