Arbie "Tom" Roark

Arbie "Tom" Roark, 91, of Tiptonville, Tennessee, died Sunday, June 21, 2026, at this residence.

He was born on March 26, 1935, in New Madrid, Missouri, to the late Allen T. Roark and the late Clistie L. Thrasher Roark.

After working in demolition construction, Tom became the owner and operator of Roark Trucking. During his years in the trucking business, he traveled countless miles and made many lifelong friendships.

He was proud and honored to have served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. His military service remained one of the accomplishments he treasured most throughout his life.

Tom had a passion for travel and adventure. Family and friends often joked that if Tom was in a vehicle and headed down the road, he was happy. He loved seeing new places, taking drives, and simply enjoying the journey wherever it might lead.

A familiar face at local breakfast gatherings, Tom enjoyed meeting friends for morning coffee, sharing stories, and catching up on all the latest news. He never met a stranger and could carry on a conversation with just about anyone. He was an avid follower of current events and enjoyed watching MSNBC, staying informed and engaged with the world around him. Politics was one of his favorite topics, and he always enjoyed a lively discussion about the issues of the day.

He enjoyed spending time outside watching nature, especially feeding and observing the birds that visited his yard. He was also a devoted NASCAR fan, and race days were especially exciting when a Dodge found its way to Victory Lane.

Above all, Tom treasured his family. The moments he spent with his grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, and he loved watching them grow and celebrating their accomplishments. The memories they shared together will remain a lasting legacy of his love and devotion.

Tom was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge and actively supported his community through his involvement with the Lake County Democratic Committee. 

Funeral services for Mr. Roark will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Officiating this service will be Dr. Carl Mills and Mr. David Olhausen. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Tiptonville, Tennessee.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Phillis Tharp Roark of Tiptonville, Tennessee; six sons, Tommy Roark (Carol) of Lakemore, Illinois,  Bob Roark (Sherry) of Phoenix, Arizona, Don Roark of Lake Villa, Illinois, Dan Roark (Felicia) of Sun City, Arizona, Rick Roark (April) of Scottsdale, Arizona and Jason Thomas (Kristin) of Tiptonville, Tennessee; two daughters, Shelia Gaede of Kansas City, Kansas and Sonya Ward of Delavan, Wisconsin; one brother, Ronnie Roark of Metropolis, Illinois and he was "Grandpa" to his sixteen grandchildren and a host of great and great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Ray Roark and three sisters, Linda Crile, Sue Richardson and Nettie Marie Roark.

Honoring Mr. Roark as pallbearers will be Warren Douglas, Hunter Thomas, Taylor Thomas, Bryson Sherrill, Tim Phelps, John Robert Wyatt, Steve Henegar and Royce York. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, Suite 210, Nashville, Tennessee 37228.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Arbie Tom Roark.

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