Roy Lee Elder, Jr.

Roy Lee “Peter Roy” Elder, Jr., 76, of Biloxi—a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend—died unexpectedly in Biloxi on August 19, 2025.

Peter Roy was born on January 11, 1949, in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Lee “Pete” Elder and Jewel Constance Blake Elder, both of Biloxi; his brother-in-law, Joseph Jurich of Ocean Springs; and his nephew, Joseph Mattina of Kingwood, Texas.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debra White Elder of Biloxi; his son, Bennett Blake Elder (Leah) of Atlanta, Georgia; and his adored granddaughters, Lillian Pearl Elder and Mae Constance Elder. He is also survived by his sisters, Carol Elder Sproles (Ken) of Kingwood, Texas, and Susan Elder Jurich of Ocean Springs; his brother, Jeff Elder (Cindy) of Biloxi; his sister-in-law, Sherry White Braun (Erich) of Augusta, Georgia; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Peter Roy attended Lopez Elementary, Michel Junior High, and Biloxi High School, where he played basketball, baseball, and ran track. After graduating from Biloxi High School in 1967, he attended Perkinston Junior College before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After serving in Vietnam, he returned home and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1975.

In 1977, Peter Roy became the first ticket manager of the newly opened Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. He later relocated to Orlando, Florida, where his work in the business world led to a pivotal relationship with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. That encounter launched his long and successful career in professional baseball.

Peter Roy spent his career evaluating baseball talent at the high school, junior college, and collegiate levels, later advancing to scouting professional players in the minor and major leagues. As he moved into front office roles, he advised senior officials on player acquisitions and roster decisions. He began his MLB career with the New York Yankees, where he worked for 10 years, and joined the San Francisco Giants in 2000.

Over his 33-year career, Peter Roy earned six World Series rings: three with the Yankees (1996, 1998, 1999) and three with the Giants (2010, 2012, 2014). He was named Biloxian Made Good by the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce in 2004 and inducted into the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. He retired from Major League Baseball in 2021. In 2022, he was honored in a lighthearted “roast” in support of the Biloxi First Foundation.

Outside of baseball, Peter Roy enjoyed playing golf, tending to his perfectly manicured yard (which he proudly claimed Jack Nicklaus could putt on), and working out. In recent years, however, his greatest joy came from being “Poppy” to his beloved granddaughters, Pearl and Mae.

Peter Roy was a proud Biloxian, known for his larger-than-life personality, infectious laughter, and legendary storytelling. He brought joy to everyone who crossed his path and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Biloxi First Foundation in Peter Roy’s name at P.O. Box 982, Biloxi, MS 39533. Biloxi First is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting community involvement in education and supporting innovative teaching in the Biloxi School District.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 870 Howard Avenue, Biloxi with the visitation for family and friends starting at 10:00 a.m.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, is honored to serve the Elder family. Memories may be shared and video memorial viewed at riemannfamily.com .