BURTON, MI – A motorcycle racer turned motorcycle shop owner, Paul “Rocky” Roll learned quickly that he’d do better behind the counter.
His wife, Linda Roll, recalled stories of Rocky’s friends telling her that he was always the first one into the first curve while racing motorcycles.
Those familiar with motorcycle races know you don’t always want to be the first one into the curve at risk of crashing.
“Motorcycles were his life and his passion,” Linda Roll said, as she recounted stories of the couple riding through Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland.
Paul “Rocky” Roll, who opened Rocky’s Great Outdoors in 1972, died on May 12. He was 83 years old.
The store at the southwest corner of Saginaw and Bristol roads that’s become a staple in the Burton community was originally opened under a different name, Rocky’s Cycle Supply Inc., and was a combination of two of his passions – motorcycles and the outdoors.
Rocky is also being remembered for his philanthropy and kindness in Genesee County.
He made several contributions to the Flint Cultural Center, Ascension Genesys Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic, including a $1 million contribution toward the development of a cardiac rapid diagnostic center at Ascension Genesys.
It wasn’t uncommon for someone to walk into Rocky’s Great Outdoors and ask for a discount for knowing Rocky. He was beloved in the Burton community.
“He was easy to approach, and he knew people from every single facet of life,” Linda said. “… He would want to be known as someone who was outgoing and kind.”
Motorcycling wasn’t his only hobby, either. Rocky was an airplane pilot and avid gardener, too. He still owns an airport hangar.
Born in 1940, Rocky grew up on a farm in Williamston, Mich. That’s where he was raised as a hard worker, Linda said.
Mike Sanders, one of Rocky’s longtime friends and president of Rocky’s Great Outdoors, said Rocky was a “great friend to everybody.”
People would often come into the store to talk to him about his garden, Sanders said.
Paul “Rocky” Roll is survived by his wife, Linda, three children, eight grandchildren and 10 siblings.
Rocky’s Great Outdoors will host a Blessing of the Bikes ceremony on June 15, where the store is planning to commemorate Rocky’s life with a special celebration.
A visitation for Rocky will take place from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, and 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, May 29, at Sharp Funeral Homes, 1000 West Silver Lake Road in Fenton.
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