Richard H. Roach, founding partner of Dallas-based independent insurance brokerage firm Roach Howard Smith & Barton, has died, the company said Feb. 5.
Roach founded his company in 1955, and was soon joined by Leroy Howard, Max Smith and Archie Hunter. In 1972, the firm name became Roach Howard Smith & Hunter Inc. In Fort Worth, the firm’s other half, L.T. Barton Insurance, was founded in 1945.
Roach served as president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board for 40 years. In 1995, he relinquished these titles but continued to service his clients.
Roach served for several years as a Garland City Councilman and is a past chairman of Assurex Global. He was the chairman for Security Bank Garland prior to its sale and was a director for the North Texas Municipal Water District. He was a chairman of both the Baylor University Development Council and Baylor Hankamer School of Business Advisory Board.
A memorial service for Roach will take place on Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church-Garland, located at 801 W. Avenue D in Garland.
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