Ricky Don Roe, 71, of Arab passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Hospice Family Care in Huntsville. He was born August 19, 1954, in Guntersville, to parents Beley (Bill) Lawayne Roe and Mary Edna Buchanan Roe of the Grassy community.
He is survived by his wife Kathy Coulter Roe of 50 years, two sons, Brad (Sherrie) Roe and Daniel (Alicia) Roe of Arab, six grandchildren, Caleb Alan Roe, Joshua Cole Roe, Sarah Lynn Roe, Lily Graben Roe, Ella Coulter Roe, and Margeret Mae Roe, his siblings Charles Roe, Deborah Plunkett (Alvie), Randal Roe (Sandy), and Karen Peterson (Eric) and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Beley and Mary Roe.
Ricky was a graduate of the Arab High School class of 1972 and later attended Snead State Community College and Athens State, and began his career as a draftsman at Milberger, Rutland and Associates, in Huntsville. In 1982, Ricky began his 39-year career as a drafting instructor at Arab High School, teaching both architectural and mechanical drafting, as well as the Pre-Engineering class, until his retirement in 2021. Ricky was a faithful member of Arab First Baptist Church, serving in many roles over the years, a man of quiet strength and calm demeanor, who always looked to serve others first. Over the years, Ricky designed custom home plans for many of Arab’s residents and those of the surrounding area. In addition, he spent his free time in his garden, keeping bees, and cherishing time spent with his grandchildren, often traveling out of state for wrestling matches, rodeos, and even waiting in car line.
Services for Ricky will be Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Arab First Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 2:00pm, with the funeral service immediately following visitation. Officiating the service will be Rev. Mike Foreman, and Dr. Paul Murphy. Serving as pallbearers are Brad Roe, Daniel Roe, Caleb Roe, Joshua Roe, Charles Roe, and Randal Roe. Honorary pallbearers are Bruce Ridgeway, Micheal Ridgeway, Don Bales, and Larry Walker, among many others. Burial will be at Brookwood Cemetery in Arab. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel assisting with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ricky Roe Memorial Scholarship Fund at Redstone Federal Credit Union.
