Thomas Lyndell “Tom” Roark, 75, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, August 9, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones after a hard battle with Lewy body dementia.
Born February 3, 1951, in Huntingdon, Tennessee, to the late Horace and Eudine Roark, Tom wed his high school sweetheart, Carol, on October 27, 1973. Over the next 52 years, they raised three children in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and remained active in their church community.
Tom spent many years as a project manager with IBM Global Services. He was a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and a steady, faithful presence in the lives of all who knew him, always ready with a bright smile.
He enjoyed running, reading, and doing crosswords, and rarely missed a chance to work in the yard or make a spreadsheet for the fun of it. He loved singing old hymns, playing with his dogs, shooting basketball, and cheering on his beloved Tennessee Vols.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Roark of Chattanooga, Tennessee; his children, Chris Roark of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Nick and Allison Roark of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Robert and Courtney Poore of Chattanooga, Tennessee; his brother, Randall Roark, and sister, Nancy Rush, both of Huntingdon, Tennessee; as well as his seven grandchildren, Coen, Josie, Elijah, Hudson, Emmaline, Adeline, and Eleanor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Eudine Roark, and his sister, Ruth Rhodes.
In keeping with his wishes, Tom donated his body to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for medical research. There will be a celebration of life later. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.