Dr. Ricky D. Roach

“To everything, there is a season: a time to be born…. A time to believe” Ecclesiastics 3:1 Dr. Ricky Dwayne Roach affectionately known by his family and friends as “Pee Wee” was born in Dallas, Texas on September 14, 1953. He entered this world unlike most with the blessing of having three parents Julius Jones, James Graham Sr. and Gertrude Graham. While being molded into the man he would later become by his parents James and Gertrude, he received his formal education from various Dallas I.S.D. schools ultimately graduating from South Oak Cliff High School in 1971. For we walk by faith not by sight.” II Corinthians 5:7 After graduating high school Ricky attended Dallas Baptist University but later transferred to the University of New Mexico where he became a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. During this time, he would meet friends and fraternity brothers who would last a lifetime. Ricky graduated from the University of New Mexico with a ­­Bachelor of Science Degree. He continued his education at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa before going to The University of Osteopathic Medical School and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa where he received a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree (DPM). He would later go on to complete a two-year residency at Dwight D. Eisenhower VA hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas prior to entering the field of Podiatry. Although these were pivotal moments in his life, they could not compete with following his soulmate into a Pizza Parlor after a night out on the town and ordering a cheese pizza. It was here he met the Love of his Life, Gaylynn Bruce and told her, “I know I’m going to marry you; I just have some running around to do”. After running around Des Moines, Iowa for a year and a half with Gaylynn they were joined in holy matrimony on September 07, 1985. This union not only formed a beautiful family of two handsome sons but gave Ricky an additional abundance of sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and a bonus mother and father in love (law). In 1997 after completing his residency in Leavenworth, Kansas Ricky moved his family to Mississippi where he started working at Foot Specialist of South Mississippi. He recognized an opportunity for growth and continued to work for several years before purchasing The Foot Specialist of South Mississippi office where he continued to work daily. To know Ricky was to love him, he never met a stranger and would always greet you with a big smile and hello. Not only was he an intellectual but he was also a leader, an educator, mentor, giver, advocate, an entrepreneur, and an innovator just to name a few. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. He was kind, generous, beautiful inside and out, ambitious, witty and a great listener. He was a role model to many and one to emulate but most of all he was a man who loved God, his family and friends. This was evident by not only his words but his actions. He would always end a conversation with “I Love you” never letting you second guess where you stood and would always tell you how proud he was of accomplishments achieved big or small. He motivated family and friends to reach their goals always reminding people that if he could do it so could they. He spoke words of encouragement and was wise beyond his years. He continued to study not only medically but spiritually and never limited himself from learning something new every day. He would always try and find a positive in situations. He loved his career, his patients and the special bonds he developed with each. He was adviser to many and always influenced people to be the best at whatever it is they desired to do. Ricky loved his life, family and friends and rarely missed an opportunity to express it. He was an excellent Husband, Father and Son. He continued daily to be an example of what it meant to be a Man of God, Fantastic Father, Supreme Son, Superb Spouse, Fabulous Father in Love, The Greatest Grandfather, Undeniable Uncle, The Best Brother/Son in love and Faithful Friend. He was a blessing to all that knew and loved him. “For I am now ready to be offered…” II Timothy 4:6 Although we love you dearly, we could not make you stay. On Saturday, October 31st God wrapped his loving arms around Ricky and whispered, “Come Home, my son, your work on Earth is done.” We will miss your smile, hearty laughter, encouraging words, wisdom and EVERYTHING about you but know that you are present with God and we will see you again one day…. until we meet again. “I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.” John 14:18 Ricky leaves to cherish his loving wife of 35 Years, Gaylynn Roach. Mother, Gertrude Graham, Fathers who preceded him in death, Julius Jones, and James Graham Sr. Two Brothers, James Graham Jr. (Sherriol) and Julius Jones. Three sisters, Cheryl Graham Johnson, Pamela Jones, and Judy Jones. Two Sons, Treimane Roach and Tyson Roach (Phallenetia). Five grandkids, Madison Barnes, Jaylinh Barnes, Tayvion Roach, Journei Roach and Lyric Roach. His Mother in Love, Wilma Bruce, his brothers and sisters in love, Michael Bruce, Brian Bruce, Lonnette Bruce, Theresa Bruce and Shelly Carson. He also leaves to cherish friends for life Kenneth Wayne Watson, Gilron Travis, Eddie Geter, Leonard Fairley, Dr. Art Black, Dr. David McAfee and Doug Weathersby as well as a host nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. The family will receive visitors at Infinity Funeral Home Monday, November 9, 2020, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am. A private memorial service will follow, due to COVID restrictions. View the memorial service via live-stream by logging on below: https://www.pscp.tv/InfinityFuneralHome/follow I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT...I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE...I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH 2 Timothy 4:7 Infinity Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dr. Ricky D. Roach.