On April 15, 1954, a gift, in the form of Roger Bedford Love, was given to Charles Wesley and Helen Marie Love of Princess Anne County. Roger was an affectionate child who grew into a loving man. Throughout his life, he gave his all to all without a second thought. He was a longtime member of the Point Harbor Community Church of Chesapeake, Va. He died Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016.
In 1972, he graduated from Granby High School. At that time, his affinity for music became apparent. Roger was an accomplished trumpet player, who became inspired by a group called the “Unifics.” From that inspiration, his desire to sing was birthed. He started a group called the “Soul Sonics.”
The Soul Sonics patterned themselves after other rhythm and blues artists; the Temptations, the O’Jays, and of course the Unifics. Their signature look was composed of white shirts, white shoes and white gloves. They wanted to ensure their dance choreography, created by Roger, could be viewed in low-light venues.
The Soul Sonics accomplished modicum success and traveled up and down the East Coast. Even though the group never experienced mainstream exposure, the love of music always stayed in Roger’s soul. Which was a passion he instilled in his children as well. Roger went on to work as a Waste Management truck driver, for the City of Virginia Beach, for 30 years. Most recently, he worked as a drill operator for Trafford Corporation.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Wesley and Helen Marie Love; sister, Ruth Gordon; brother, Ronnie Love; and brother-in-law, Carnell James.
He leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Malissa Love and Valencia Moore; one son, Cameron Love; two sisters, Vera James and Joyce McCants (Marshall); one brother, Charles Love (Trina); one sister-in-law, Yvonne Love; three grandchildren, Anthony Love (Briana), Diamond Basnight and Isaiah Adams; one great grandchild, Ezra Love; his ex-wife and friend, Kim Love; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, at Beach Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., 4456 Bonney Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Beach Funeral & Cremation Services Inc. Interment will follow in Colonial Grove Memorial Park, 3445 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…” 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
