Roy Head Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 3, 2010.

Roy E. Head Master Sgt. Roy E. Head died on April 30, 1951, in Suan Bean Prison Camp in North Korea. Roy was born on May 10, 1922, in the Grit Hill section of Scott County, Va. He was the eldest of five sons born to the late Catron and Mary Lawson Head. Roy graduated from Rye Cove High School before joining the U.S. Navy on Dec. 4, 1942. Mr. Head served in World War II on the 0USS Pensacola, (the Grey Ghost of the Pacific). His rank was fire controlman third class. He was engaged in seven major battles which included Gilbert Island Operation, Marshall Island Operation, Battle for Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima Operation and Okinawa Operation. Roy Head was discharged from the U.S. Navy on Dec. 16, 1945. Upon returning home, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville to become a dentist. The call of the military was far too great, therefore, he left college and enlisted in the U.S. Army in early 1947. Roy was in the 49th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. Master Sgt. Head was stationed with his wife, Ann, in Fort Riley, Kan.. Orders came in 1950 to go to Korea where he was captured by the Chinese Communist Army on Feb. 11, 1951, in North Korea. As a prisoner, he and others marched north to Suan Bean Prison Camp where he died. In addition to his parents, Master Sgt. Head is joined in Heaven by his two deceased brothers, Orville Head and G.J. Head. Master Sgt. Roy Head is survived by his wife, Anna Head Witkowski, Lewes, Del.; his brothers, John Head and friend, Elsie Crites, Cement City, Mich., David Head and wife, Wanda, Kingsport, Tenn.; his nieces, Dianne Stanley and husband, Jack, Parma, Mich., Beth Waters and husband, Dave, Brooklyn, Mich.; nephews, Jerry Head and Ruby, Duffield, Va., Jack Head and friend, Lori Frazier, Largo, Fla., Roy Head and wife, Delores, Church Hill, Tenn.; his great- nieces, Rachel Alger, Brooklyn, Mich., Katarina Head, Church Hill; a great- nephew, Zachary Alger, Brooklyn, Mich. Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 4, 2010, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Morrison City Freewill Baptist Church. A funeral service will be conducted on Friday, June 4, 2010, at 7 p.m. at Morrison City Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Brian Capps officiating. Music will be provided by Two Disciples and Penny Capps. A military graveside service will be conducted on Saturday, June 5, 2010, at 1 p.m. at the Head-Benton Cemetery in Duffield. The U.S. Army Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Morrison City Freewill Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 4175, Kingsport, TN 37660. You can send an online condolence to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com Carter-Trent /Scott County Funeral Home is serving the Head family.

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June 17, 2010

george ellis

my name is george ellis. i am forwarding photo of m/sgt head to american battle monuments commission in arlington. he will be placed on korean war nonor roll. i also am korean war veteran.

June 6, 2010

Stacey and Ted Jones

Thank you for your service to our country. Our condolences to your family and loved one's. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Many of my family were servicemen and fought and died in Wars. My father was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict and our son is a Soldier with the 3-61 CAV REG BTRP 4BCT 4ID.
He is finally home safe now after a year in Afghanistan, but came back without 8 of his comrades-in-arms.
May God grant you peace and comfort knowing he is finally home where he belongs.
Rest In Honor
In His Love

June 5, 2010

Woody Wagner

On behalf of the Patriot Guard Riders and the Virginia Patriot Guard, my I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Family and Extended Family of Master Sgt Head. I hope and trust this sad news of his military change of status from missing. . . brings your family and extended family the closure you all sought for these many years. Know the Patriot Guard Riders, from across this nation. . . appreciate Master Sgt Head's military service, both in the Navy and Army. His contributions and sacrifice to the nation is his legacy that will stand the test of time. May MSgt Head Rest in peace.
With Sincere Respect,
W. Wagner
Assistant State Captain
Virginia Patriot Guard Riders

June 4, 2010

Las Inlo

My belated condolences to the Head family. Finally home, dearest Roy, resting in Heaven's eternal peace.

June 4, 2010

Kathi McClenney

My condolences to the Head family, and my prayers go up for all of you as you finally lay Master Sgt. Head to rest on his home soil.

June 3, 2010

Ann Lovette

THANK YOU for sharing your loved one with the world. I'm truly greatful for men like Master Sargent Head that have layed down thier live for our freedoms.

June 3, 2010

Michael Mumpower

I don't know the Head family, but after reading the story in the newspaper, and the obituary notice, I must say a word of admiration for both Mr. Head and you, his family, who are bringing such great honor to his life, service and story. As a freedom loving American, I am indebted to Mr. Head and others like him; I too bow my head and heart at this time to say "Thank-You".

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