MIDDLESBORO - Charles Kenneth Kenny Roark, Jr.

, 54 of Middlesboro, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2012, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY. Born February 17, 1958, in Middlesboro, he the son of the late Charles Kenneth Jake Roark, Sr. and Edith Earle Roark who survives. On his graduation from Middlesboro High School, Kenny accepted a football scholarship to the University of Kentucky. He was named best offensive lineman in 1979 and 1980. In 1980 he served as co-captain and most valuable player and was named most valuable player by the Birmingham Touchdown Club. He was an honorable mention All American, First Team all Southeastern Conference, and participated the Blue-Gray All Star Football Classic. He was also a member of the 1976 Peach Bowl Championship Team at UK. In 1981 he signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Browns, and in 1982 as a free agent with the Washington Redskins. Kennys football career, led him to a coaching career that spanned over 27 years, amassing a 154-72 record as a high school head coach. The highlight of this came in 1998 when he lead the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets to the Class A State Championship. Kenny loved all of his players and was proud to have coached each and every one of them. He was especially proud to have been able to coach his own son Chase. Kenny was currently serving as head football coach for the Clay County Tigers. He is survived by the following members of his family: children: Ashley Roark and Chase Roark; mother: Edith Roark; sisters, Kelly Roark Helton, Margaret Beth Roark and Valerie Roark; wife, Teresa Roark; brother-in-law, Clifford Helton; best friend, Gary Barnett; three nieces and two nephews; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. Visitation for Kenny will be from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at the Creech Funeral Home. Funeral services will be private Pallbearers will be Petie Gilbert, Steve Trosper, Davie Earl, David Mike, Mike Earl and Floyd Branham. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Wilson, Tom Chalk Stapleton, Larry Tom Davis, Wayne Norfleet, Larry Carter and Clifford Helton. Online condolences and guestbook are available at www.creechfh.com Creech Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is in charge of all arrangements.