Carlton Donaldson Roche

We are sharing the obituary for Don Roche, Jr. as a courtesy to his family who were longtime residents of Wadesboro and his friends who still live in and around Anson County. DURHAM: Carlton Donaldson Roche, Jr. passed away on August, 15, 2017 after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. Don was born in Wadesboro, N.C. on February 14, 1949, the only child of Carl and Jessie Roche. He often recalled fond memories of growing up in Wadesboro and playing on the Wadesboro High School Football, Basketball and Baseball teams. As a young man, he was a member of the Calvary Episcopal Church and served as an acolyte. After graduation, Don joined the U. S. Marine Corps and served in Beaufort, S. C, Yuma, AZ, in the Pacific and in the Mediterranian Sea. He was proud of his service to his country. As an honorably discharged Marine, Don participated in local events commemorating the Marine Corps. One of his last joys was to visit the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, VA. During his early Marine Corps days, Don visited friends and family at an annual North Myrtle Beach gathering where he was to meet the love of his life and wife to be, Cindy McMannen. Don and Cindy were married for 37 years and made their home in Durham, N.C. where they raised their two sons, Carl and Kevin. Don loved the beach, and enjoyed spending time at the N.C. coast as much as possible. Don had many interests, and was an avid history buff. For many years, he participated in Civil War re-enactment events. His memory was amazing as he recalled details and dates. He was also very proud of his Scottish heritage being a descendant of McDonald, Campbell, and Donaldson families. He enjoyed sports, and reminisced about growing up in Wadesboro, N.C. and traveling around the world during his active duty in the Marine Corps. He loved to tell tales of his experiences in ports such as Naples, Italy and Barcelona, Spain, as well as hot days in the desert of Yuma, Arizona. He was a consummate "Carolina" Tar Heel fan, and he was unshakeable in his devotion to UNC athletics. Most of all, Don was a loving and devoted husband, father, family member and friend. We will miss him greatly. Don was an active member of McMannen United Methodist Church, which was named for his wifes great-great grandfather, Rev. John A. McMannen. In his spare time, he volunteered and served his community. Don is predeceased by his wife, Cindy, and his parents. He is survived by his sons, Carl (wife, Kathy and their children, Emma and Garrett of Louisburg), and Kevin (wife, Rebekah and their son, Landon of Clayton); and his beloved Siamese cat, Simon. The family will receive visitors Saturday, August 19 at Clements Funeral Home from 10:00AM-10:45AM followed by funeral services at 11:00AM in Clements Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Durham. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Transitions LifeCare (formerly Hospice of Wake County): 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.