Samuel Volney Roach

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Samuel V. Roach, a beloved husband, devoted father and grandfather, respected educator, and long-time resident of Buffalo, Texas. Born on November 25, 1933, in Ft. Worth, Texas, Sam was the son of Herbert and Hazel Irene (Paschall) Roach. He was known by many names including: Sambo, Sammy, Mr. Sam, Mr. Roach, Grandpa, Daddy, and (self-appointed) Mayor of Keechi. Sam was a lover of the Lord Jesus Christ, family, and country, and one of his core beliefs was “A Big Heart has more room for Happiness than does a Big Head.”

Sam graduated from Buffalo High School in 1951. He represented Buffalo at the North-South championship football game as an all-state running back. He began his college education at Sam Houston State University. Sam left college to serve his country as a corporal in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, stationed in Germany as a tank commander. Following his military service, he returned to Sam Houston State, earning his bachelors and masters in education in 1957 and 1958. He enjoyed his time at Sam Houston, even being elected as Head Cheerleader. In 1958, he exchanged vows with his college sweetheart, Frances Walling, in a ceremony held in Houston, Texas, a union that lasted 55 years until Frances' passing in 2013. 

During his lifetime, he continued to pursue additional education, including adding his Counselor’s Certificate in 1961. He loved serving students as a classroom teacher, coach, driver’s education teacher, counselor, vice principal and principal during his thirty-nine year journey in the field of education. He was employed in various public schools, including the state prison system, as well as Aldine, Galveston, Pasadena, Palestine Westwood, Buffalo and Oakwood ISDs. Many remember him as the Principal of Buffalo Elementary and Junior High Schools and as the Counselor at Oakwood ISD.

After school every day, Sam quickly changed into his navy jumpsuit and worked around his ranch. He spent many happy hours on his dozer and tractor, hauling in his dump truck, and tending to the cattle. Later in life, Sam could be found napping in his truck in the middle of a pasture. He always had a smile and a story to share. He loved sharing his life and home with Frances, his children, his grandchildren and anyone passing by. A man of unwavering faith, Sam was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Buffalo, where he faithfully taught Sunday School. On most Saturdays you would find Sam at the First Baptist men’s breakfast followed by a little time at the auction barn where he always ate dessert first!

Samuel was preceded in death by both of his parents; wife, Frances Roach; and brothers, Austin Earl, Herbert Eugene and Gordon "Dale" Roach. Survivors include daughter, Kimberly Jenkins of College Station; son and daughter-in-law, John & Lynn Roach of Bryan; grandchildren, Erika (Joshua) Kelley, David (Sydney) Roach, James (Maci) Roach, Kyle (Maegen) Roach, and Matthew (Layken) Roach, as well as great-grandchildren, Emma, Andrew and Jonathan Kelley and Carson, Royce and Weston Roach. Also surviving is nephew (like a son), Herbie (Theresa) Roach of Buffalo, and numerous extended family and countless friends.

A funeral service to honor his life and memory will be held 2 P.M., Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Walters' Buffalo Funeral Home, Buffalo, Texas. Rev. Alan Grisham, pastor of First Baptist Church, Buffalo, Texas, will officiate the service. Interment will follow in Keechi Cemetery where Samuel will be laid to rest next to his beloved Frances. A brief visitation will take place prior to the service from 1 P.M. to service time Saturday at the funeral home.

As we mourn the loss of Samuel Roach, we remember him for his kindness, his wisdom, and his commitment to loving Jesus and serving others. 

Pallbearers: David Roach, James Roach, Kyle Roach, Matthew Roach, Joshua Kelley, Terry Johnson

Honorary Pallbearers: Jeff Beshears, Jimmy Nutt, Herbie Roach

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are kindly requested to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, 600 SW 11th Ave., Amarillo, Texas 79101 or at www.calfarley.org or FBC Buffalo Men's Breakfast Ministry (be sure to specify Men's Breakfast in the memo section of your check), P.O. Box 309, Buffalo, Texas 75831.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters' Buffalo Funeral Home, Buffalo, Texas.