Charles Edward O'Roark, 85, of the Melrose community in Rockingham County passed away on July 20, 2025. He was born on July 8, 1940, to Catherine (Armentrout) O'Roark and Walter E. O'Roark. He grew up on his mother's family farm with his sister Nellie  (O'Roark) Seiver of Stephens City, brother Gene Emanuel O'Roark (deceased), a special cousin Elmer Lee Armentrout of Lacey Spring, and a special uncle Claude Armentrout (deceased).

Charles recently celebrated 62 years of marriage to Ann Margaret (Graves) O'Roark. Charles and Ann had a son Charles Edwin O'Roark and wife Judi of Oak Ridge, NC, and a daughter Karen Ann (O'Roark) Sions and husband Lawrence of Rockingham. Charles also had a special bond with his grandson, Thomas Patrick Sions.

Charles worked for snack food distributors for most of his career. For years he was the top salesman at his company before becoming Sales Manager. For 30 years he served as an Election Officer for the Melrose precinct. After he retired, he drove school buses for Rockingham County Schools for several years.

Charles was a 35 year member of the Tenth Legion/Mt Valley Ruritan Club. He served as club president for five terms and was deeply involved in Ruritan fundraisers including the lawn parties where he ran the popular Cake Wheel for many years. He attended Fellowship Global Methodist Church and was a member of the board of trustees of Fellowship Cemetery.

Charles loved antique Ford tractors and for over 20 years he exhibited them at the Bridgewater Lawn Party Steam & Gas Meet, and other events around the county. On the week he passed away, he participated in the Tractor Pull with his prized 1949 Ford 8N that was originally owned by his Uncle Claude. He also  drove another of his tractor collection in the annual parade the day before he passed.

The family will greet visitors at Grandle Funeral Home on Thursday from 6 – 8 P.M.  A memorial service will be held at Fellowship Global Methodist Church on Friday at 11:00 A.M.