Robert (Bob) Ray Roush was born to eternal life on September 5, 2018. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Patricia Adams Roush. Bob was born to Mary Lydia Dameron Roush and Earl Ray Roush on February 11, 1925 in Alderson, West Virginia, a charming town nestled in the heart of the Greenbrier Valley. Robert was a graduate of Alderson High School, Class of 1943. He was the oldest of three siblings, Thomas Willard Roush of Pensacola, FL who precedes him in death and William Roush of Temple, TX. His mother was a passionate pianist, and Bob shared her love of music at an early age, going on to play the trumpet and sing in the choir in his churches throughout his life. Service was at the center of all aspects of Bob’s life – in his deep faith, to his family, and for his country. Joining the U.S. armed forces at 18, he served as a Naval Medical Corpsman and Marine Medic, caring for soldiers during two tours, one in the European Theater and one in the Pacific Theater.

His deep love of country and dedication to his brothers in uniform ultimately propelled him into serving at the invasion in Normandy on June 6, 1944, as well as aiding Marines in the occupied Saipan island.

Returning home, Bob enrolled at Duke University where he studied Accounting and joined the Duke Flying Club. As a young boy, he was fascinated with airplanes, had aspired to become a pilot, and ultimately fulfilled that dream by making flights from school back home to West Virginia. He graduated from Duke University in 1950, worked at The Bank of Charleston, shortly thereafter landing at Standard Oil of New Jersey (later to become Exxon) where he would spend the rest of his 38-year career. He was transferred to the Exxon office in Charlotte where he met and married, Patricia, the love of his life. Steeped in faith, grounded in their love of Christ and a call to serve others, Bob and Patricia were deeply devoted to the youth ministry and were active Sunday School teachers. They then welcomed two daughters, continuing their ministries and a loving focus on family.

In 1977, Bob and his family moved from Charlotte to Houston, Texas as part of a large company relocation. He remained faithful, leading as Awana leader, Church Elder, Choir Member and Bible Study Fellowship leader.

After retiring from Exxon in 1990, Bob immersed himself in volunteering efforts and in his church, Kingwood Bible Church. He found great joy in mentoring and teaching students at Elm Grove Elementary School, where his appearances as the beloved Mr. Bob were the highlight of the school week for many young students.

Lovingly known as both “Papa” and “Little Daddy” to his grandchildren, Bob always made family his first priority. He loved capturing family memories with photos and enjoyed learning new camera and computer technology so he could snap the perfect shot and share them.

His gentle, kind spirit was the hallmark of his character, and his sweet smiles and warm greetings will be dearly missed by his family and all who love him. In fact, the extended, loving goodbyes that came to be known within the family as the “Roush goodbye” was his trademark farewell as the hugs and waves would go on and on until the family member was long out of sight.

Bob leaves behind two daughters, Carol Alexander (Greg) of Dallas, TX, Linda Kase (Rob) of The Woodlands, TX, as well as four grandchildren, Rachael Kase and Robert Kase of The Woodlands, TX, Kimberly Alexander Clark (Alston) of Houston, Texas, Kristen Alexander of New York, NY. A celebration of life was held at Kingwood Bible Church on Monday, September 10 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Kingwood Bible Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice.