Survivors include his two sons Peyton, attending University of Cincinnati, Caiden, attending Urbana University, and his daughter, Kenna, a junior at Tippecanoe High School; his father and mother, Jeffrey Smith (Nellie), and Holly Tryon of Greenville; father and mother in law, Robert and Marcia Durnell (Layman) of The Villages, Florida; a brother Derek Smith (Amy) of Greenville, a brother in law Shawn Durnell (Christine) of Casselberry, Florida.
Roman grew up in Greenville, Ohio, was a 1990 graduate of Greenville High School, continued his education, and graduated from Bowling Green University in 1995. He and his family lived in Orlando, Florida and Tipp City, Ohio. In high school, Roman’s love for sports started as a member of the baseball and soccer teams and then continued as a coach for many of his children’s teams. He was an avid supporter of the Tipp City athletic program.
Roman worked for the past 12 years for Freshway Foods of Sidney as the Director of Procurement. As a graduate of United Fresh Leadership Program and Cornell Executive Leadership, Roman was respected across the nation as a leader in the area of fresh produce. As a loving father and husband, Roman enjoyed spending his leisure time with his family at various sporting events, cruises, and for many years, being at the family’s lake property and boating on Brookville Lake.
Roman attended Ginghamsburg Church and as a believer, his faith was evident in all aspects of his life. He always put family first and instilled his faith in them. From nightly cross-country prayers while traveling to Sunday’s at home with his family; he never missed a chance to be a positive influence.
A Celebration of Life is tentatively scheduled for June 6, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Ginghamsburg Church 6759 South County Road 25A, Tipp City, Ohio with pastor Rachel Billups officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Romans’ family to set up a trust for his children. Donations may be sent to Zechar Bailey Funeral Home or to the family directly.
Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com.
