Lowell S. Roof

Lowell Sandel Roof, 91, of Lexington, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025 at the Hinkle Hospice House in Lexington.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2025 at Mount Tabor United Church of Christ in Lexington, N.C. with Pastor Jay Bowers officiating.  Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service in the church parlor.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Mr. Roof was born on March 23, 1934 in Lexington County, South Carolina to the late Eula Sandel and Rev. Lester O. Roof, Sr.  He was a graduate of Davis-Townsend High School where he played basketball and baseball.  Lowell earned his undergraduate degree from Lenior Rhyne University and advanced degrees from Appalachian State University and UNC-Greensboro.   He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1957 and served in the Eighth Signal Corps, a member of the Big Red one, the U.S. Army’s historic First Division.  He served his 2 year duty in Germany and was discharged in 1959.   Lowell taught in Thomasville before going to work in the Davidson County School System as a guidance counselor at East Davidson High School and then he served as a principal at various schools with Churchland Elementary being his final placement after 38 years of service in education.

Lowell was a loyal and lifetime member of Mount Tabor United Church of Christ where he taught Sunday School, served on the church consistory, a member of the Churchmen’s Fellowship and was the cemetery grounds keeper for several years.  His greatest joy at church was singing in the choir and being in the men’s chorus group.   He was also a proud member of the Lexington Civitan Club and a big supporter of the Davidson County Special Olympics.

Lowell and Malinda spent many of their retirement years traveling to various places and 2 memorable trips were to Germany to see the Passion Play and to the Holy Lands.  They also spent many enjoyable years at their vacation home in Cherry Grove Beach, S.C.  He was an avid sports fan and loved watching college basketball rooting for his Duke Blue Devils.  Lowell also enjoyed major league baseball and had the opportunity to visit games in every MLB stadium in the country with life-long friends through the years.

Lowell was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Malinda Perkins Roof and one brother, Rev. Lester O. Roof, Jr.   He leaves behind his children, Amy Snyder (Charles) of Lexington, Caroline Pennell (John) of Greer, S.C. and Michael Roof (Jane) of Charlotte; his grandchildren, Megan Snyder Bruff (Lucas) of Lexington, John Pennell, of Charleston, S.C., Whitney Snyder Leehr (Doug) of Burnsville, N.C., Hannah Pennell Fissel (John) of Charleston, S.C. Luke Pennell of Greenville, S.C. and Sarah and Sam Roof of Charlotte; 5 great-grandchildren, Bryson and Addy Leehr, Micah and Jonah Bruff, and baby girl Fissel due in September;  beloved Sister, Betty Roof of Salisbury and special family member, Marguerita Sandrock of Lexington.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you contribute to memorials made to Mount Tabor United Church of Christ, in care of the cemetery fund, 1002 East Holly Grove Road, Lexington, N.C.  27292 or to the Alzheimer’s Association 4615 Dundas Drive, Suite 103 Greensboro, N.C.