Roger Golladay

During a recent hospital stay, Roger simply asked to go home. However, before he could return home, Roger Ray Golladay, affectionately known as Papaw, passed away on July 12, 2024, at the age of 93 in Louisville, KY. Born on April 12, 1931, in Leitchfield, KY, Roger led a life marked by devotion to his family and his faith. Roger retired from a fulfilling career as a railroader with CSX/L & N Railroad, where he dedicated 37 years of service. Roger was nicknamed Deacon by his coworkers at the railroad and enjoyed all his days working with them. He was excited to work as a Hosch Crain operator with a crew of 3 men who were on call 24/7 to remove wrecked train cars “blocking the main” roads near railroad tracks. He was the first person we knew who carried a beeper! Roger’s commitment extended beyond his professional life into his spiritual life; he was a respected Deacon and Trustee at Carlisle Avenue Baptist Church, deeply involved in his church community. For years, his task was to find sayings to put on the reader board in front of his church. Our family was always searching for clever quotes and a favorite was, “The devil isn’t afraid of a Bible with dust on it!” Each day Roger asked, “Jesus, what would you have me do to help someone today?” Whether you called him Roger, Dad, Papaw, Uncle, or Friend, you will remember him as a funny, hardworking, and loving individual who cherished his family. Roger met the love of his life, Evelyn, at Fountain Ferry Park and was known for singing the Hank Williams song, “Hey, Good Lookin’” to win her heart. It worked because they married on September 3, 1949, and spent the next 68 years raising children and grandchildren while building a beautiful life together. His life is a testament to living a life with strong faith and devotion to family. Roger is survived by his sons, Gene Golladay, and his wife Gerrie, Billy Golladay and his wife Linda, Terry Golladay and his wife Lisa, and his daughter, Lisa Saylor, and her husband Barry; 17 grandchildren, Jason, Chad (Alicia), Jered (Melissa), Melissa (Ryan), Tara (Josh), Tiffani, Emily, Annie, Josh (Jordan), Jake (Julia) and Katie; 21 great-grandchildren plus one on the way and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Roger leaves behind many friends, especially his friend Joyce Harper who became his walking buddy and special friend. Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Elsie Golladay; siblings, Edward Golladay, Thomas Golladay, Curtis Golladay, Floyd Golladay, Rickie Golladay, Frances Meredith and his beloved wife, Mary Evelyn Eddington Golladay. Visitation with family will be at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 3:00 – 8:00pm. Funeral services will be at 11:00AM Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Owen Funeral Home with burial in Louisville Memorial Gardens West. Pastor Tony Golladay will be officiating. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Roger’s church, Sojourn Church Carlisle, 3548 Taylor Boulevard (40215). So, while Roger’s family was thinking he was asking to go to his earthly home, he was longing to go to his heavenly home to be with Jesus, who said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Roger Golladay

April 12, 1931 - July 12, 2024