Rev. Dr. Medwin "Med" Roach Obituary (1952 - 2021)

Thomas Medwin Roach, age 69, of Dahlonega passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2021 after a long illness. Born in Griffin, GA on June 23, 1952 to Charles Henry Roach and Louise Bell Roach, both of Canton, GA, he lived his early life in Hampton in Henry County. His family moved to Stone Mountain, GA when Med was 13. After graduating from Stone Mountain High School, he earned a B.A. from Mercer University, a Master of Divinity from Chandler School of Theology at Emory University, and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary at the University of Chicago. Med was ordained an elder in the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church and served faithfully in ministry for 43 years. He served as Youth Director at Stone Mountain United Methodist Church, and as senior pastor at Stark UMC in Jackson, GA; St. Paul UMC in Marietta, GA; Dahlonega UMC; Acworth FUMC, Newnan FUMC, and Griffin FUMC. While in ministry he served on several committees for the North Georgia Conference, as well as the Board of Directors for Lumpkin County CASA and Camp Glisson. He was a Teaching Parish Supervisor for Chandler School of Theology for many years. He retired to Dahlonega in 2018. Med is preceded in death by his mother and older brother, Michael Roach. Missing him most are his wife of 48 years, Susan Sulcer Roach; daughter Bonny Elizabeth Roach Skutch (Patrick) of Park Ridge, IL; son Jay Tyler Roach (Julie) of Good Hope, GA; grandchildren John Andrew Skutch and Charlotte Claire Skutch. He is survived by his father, Charles Roach; brother, Jeffrey Kurt Roach (Carla); and sister-in-law Wanda Peterson Roach, all of Canton, GA, as well as many nieces and nephews. Med loved people and he loved to laugh. He was an excellent teacher and preacher, and was well-loved in each community he served. He cherished his family beyond measure. He was generous and tender-hearted. His bravery, optimism and cheerfulness through years of devastating illness were an inspiration. His faith was unwavering. While the absence of physical presence leaves a gaping hole for those he left, his soul and spirit are rejoicing, and no doubt laughing, with his beloved Lord. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 3 at 1 PM at Dahlonega United Methodist Church. Friends and family are welcome for visitation at the church beginning at noon. Officiants will be Rev. Dr. Steve Schofield, Rev. Robin Parr, and Rev. Dr. Randy Mickler. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Dahlonega United Methodist Church in his memory.