Gordon Kenneth Roy

Gordon Kenneth Roy of Escanaba, MI, and formerly of Tucker County WV, and Bridgewater, VA, passed away on July 14, 2012 in Escanaba. His health had been declining for the past 2 years.

Mr. Roy was born on March 5, 1924 in Tucker County WV and was the son of Lorenzo Dow Roy and Josina Blanche Reed Roy.

He graduated from Davis High School and West Virginia University where he obtained a degree in Forestry. He spent his professional career in the U.S. Forest Service from which he retired as a district ranger. During his career he and his family moved frequently and he gained experience working in every part of the country.

Gordon was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 57 years and was a member of Eureka # 195 AF&AM Masonic Lodge in Bridgewater, VA for 53 years. He was a past Post Commander of Myers-Hodges VA VFW Post 8644 in Bridgewater and attended their meetings whenever he was in the area. He was a member of the Elks Lodge #354 in Escanaba, Delta County Republican Party and the Michigan United Conservation Club.

He enjoyed traveling, hunting, listening to old- time country and bluegrass music, and watching John Wayne movies.

Gordon was a decorated veteran of WWII having served in the 101st Airborne Division, the "Screaming Eagles". One of his proudest moments was taking a trip to the WWII Memorial in Washington DC with his son and grandson in 2007.

Surviving are Grace Wesley Reynolds Roy of Escanaba, his wife of 40 years; daughter, Pamela Roy Keier Cox and husband Dennis of Harrisonburg, VA; son, Kenneth Roy and wife Sharon Holden Roy of Mt. Jackson, VA; grandchildren, Katie Keier and partner Joseph Landreth of Alexandria, VA, Kevin Keier of Baltimore, MD, Kayleigh Roy of Charlottesville, VA, Andrew Roy and Mattie Roy of Mt. Jackson, VA. Also surviving are his brother, Herbert Roy of Lanesville, WV and Toledo, OH and his sister, Margaret Roy Fisher of Toledo, OH, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by six siblings and the mother of his children and first wife, Dove Harman Roy of Harrisonburg, VA.

Arrangements are being handled by Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba and Hinkle Funeral Home in Davis WV.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Davis Cemetery with participation by Masonic Lodge and VFW representatives, along with Gordon's niece, Minister of the Gospel Joyce Roy Minear of Elkins, WV.

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