Roy E Wires

Roy E. Wires, of St. Augustine, FL, passed away February 27, 2025 at Community Hospice Bailey Center after a courageous battle with leukemia. Roy was born, February 9, 1943 to Edwin B. Wires and Helen E. Wires in Herkimer, NY. He grew up in Herkimer and graduated from Herkimer High School. Shortly after graduation from high school he moved to Raquette Lake, NY, where his father had taken a position as superintendent of Kamp Kill Kare, an Adirondack Great Camp. The family's experiences at Kamp Kill Kare are chronicled in a book written by Roy entitled "Kamp Kill Kare* Memories Of Life In An Adirondack Great Camp."
He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1967 - 1971 as a jet engine mechanic, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class, and spending time on the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier with Attack Squadron 72. He received his Bachelors Degree from Oswego State University in New York, and his Masters Degree from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.
In 1973, he moved to St. Augustine, accepting a position as an auto mechanics instructor at St. Augustine Technical Center (now First Coast Technical College). Roy enjoyed working with students and in sharing his experiences in building a 1968 Camaro drag race car, and winning races at Gainesville Raceway. He was also a certified ASE Master Mechanic and endorsed the ASE program by offering refresher classes at SATC for those technicians interested in becoming certified.
Even in his childhood Roy expressed an interest in working on cars, and in later years was inclined to take even his personal vehicle to higher horsepower levels. At the age of 76, Roy finally achieved his ultimate dream car when he purchased a 1981 Corvette. He and his wife Marilyn joined the St Augustine Cruisers car club where they participated in car shows and cruise ins.
He retired as Assistant Director of St. Augustine Technical Center in 1999 after 26 years and was well respected as a leader. In retirement he worked part time for Ocean Grove RV, and as a Public Service Assistant with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.
In 1994, he married his soul mate Marilyn Perseo of St. Augustine. Together, they traveled extensively in the U.S. with their travel trailer. Smoky mountains, Yellowstone, and the Adirondacks, and spending their summers at Singing Waters Campground in Old Forge, NY.
Roy's passion was being in the Adirondack Mountains, the outdoors, and fishing. Roy was particularly fond of trapsing the Moose River Plains looking for old outlaw camps from the early 1900's. He was past president of the St. Augustine Bassmasters and St. Augustine Practical Shooting Association. He was a member of St. Johns County Lodge #113 Fraternal Order of Police since November 2008.
He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 31 years, a son Andrew Wires of Ocala, FL. and a sister Virginia Engler of Richmond, VA. and his loving dachshund, Dewey. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A graveside service with military honors will be held 1PM Thursday, March 20, at Craig Memorial Park, 2600 Old Moultrie Road, St. Augustine, FL, 32086.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to The St Augustine Cruisers Car Club, P O Box 781 St Augustine, FL 32085 or a charity of your choice.