Henry Roach

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Henry William Roach, 47, of Cookeville, walked into the arms of Jesus on Saturday evening, January 3. Henry grew up in Baton Rouge, LA, so his love for the LSU Tigers runs deep. He moved to the Cookeville area when he was 19 years old and began working as an electrician. He met his wife, Heather, a few years later, and they began dating on December 13, 2000. Henry and Heather were united as one in marriage on June 29, 2002, and they began building their life together with a love for Jesus above all else. They loved spending time with each other and enjoyed a shared love of Scripture, books, good food, music, movies, binge-worthy tv shows, LSU football, off-roading in Henry’s red Tacoma, and riding his motorcycle.

Soon after they were married, Henry pursued his God-given gift for art in the field of graphic design at Watkins College of Art and Design in Nashville. He won several awards for his amazing talent, but before he could finish his degree, he was in a terrible motorcycle accident on August 13, 2008, which left him with a severe traumatic brain injury. Every day of Henry’s seventeen and a half years of life after that was a miracle from God. In the blink of an eye, life changed completely, but the always and forever love Henry and Heather had for each other never wavered. Henry’s injury took them on a journey through multiple hospitals and years of physical therapy. His strong will and determination enabled him to regain a lot of strength during those early years, but his injury was so severe, he was non-ambulatory for the rest of his life and was totally dependent on Heather in every way. Even though he could no longer verbalize it, Henry demonstrated his overwhelming love for Heather by being the most patient, kind, easy-going, happy, and joyful man in the world. He was simultaneously sweet and tough, with bright, beautiful eyes that seemed to look directly into your soul and a smile that would light up even the darkest day. He never gave up and was so strong and courageous through every challenge they faced. God’s abundant love, grace, mercy, protection, and provision, along with their incredible love for each other, carried them through every single day.

In October of 2025, Henry was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. Even after receiving this difficult news, Henry continued to fight the good fight. He gave everything his battle-worn body had to give for nearly 3 more months, until his precious heart just stopped, as he was wrapped in Heather’s arms in their home. Henry’s faith has been made sight, and he has been fully healed by his Savior.

Heather would like to extend her immense gratitude to every single person who has ever loved, supported, encouraged, and prayed for them over the years of their journey together.

In addition to his wife of twenty-three years, Henry leaves behind his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Billy and Pam Wheeler, and his sister-in-law, Jennifer Wheeler.

A funeral service honoring Henry will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 11, at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home, with Pastors Jimmy Arms and Scott Parkison officiating. Visitation for friends and family will be from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Henry will be laid to rest at Cookeville City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kyle Hanna, Dan Swafford, Richmond Tooley, Larry Burks, Pete Hofer, and Jona Guenther. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Wheeler, Durk Brown, and Paul Sharpe.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Love Alive International, www. lovealiveinternational.com or Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic, 714 North Dixie Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501.

Hooper Huddleston Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com