Elmwood Cemetery

Woodward, Woodward County, Oklahoma

© Billings Funeral Home
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Cecil Ray Roach

March 8, 1941 - July 1, 2026

Cecil Roach, 85-year-old Woodward resident died Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Graveside memorial services will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, July 7, 2026 in Elmwood Cemetery with the Billings Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Cecil Ray Roach was born on March 8, 1941, in Dalhart, Texas the son of Loyd Cecil and Theresa Adrian (Cash) Roach. Cecil grew up in Alva and Woodward. He graduated from Woodward High School in 1959. Cecil enlisted in the United States Army. While stationed in Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana he was united in marriage to Oleta May Glennie. Cecil was stationed in Germany and Oleta returned to Woodward. Upon completion of his tour, he returned to the states in 1963. After his Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1963 he and Oleta lived in Woodward, where they have resided since.

Cecil worked as a truck driver, for the railroad, and in 2003 retired as a warehouse manager for a food distribution company.

Cecil enjoyed researching genealogy, in which he had accrued information on more than 36,000 ancestors and family, spending time with his family, VFW activities and held many offices including Commander for many years, reminiscing about military life in Germany, and fishing.

He is survived by his wife Oleta of the home; daughters, Victoria (Vicki) Jo Hedges and husband Jeffrey, Cecilia Lynn Simmons; grandchildren, Jessica Lynn Hedges, Jake Mathew Hedges, Chace Allen Brown, and Shelby Rae Hardaway; great-grandchildren, Luke Douglas Hardaway, Charlie Rae Hardaway; brother-in-law, Lawrence Glennie; sister-in-law, June Millison; sister-in-law, Debra Booth (Sam); many nephews and nieces; other family and friends.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Everett Roach and wife Donna, sisters, Kathleen Howard and husband Don, Helen Day and husband Larry, sister-in-law, Katie Glennie.