Roy Wallace Hankey

Roy Wallace Hankey

Palm Springs - Roy Wallace Hankey was born June 2, 1932 in Benton, Polk County, Missouri to Waid and Zona (Hood) Hankey. He passed away May 26, 2020 in Palm Springs, California.

Roy had two brothers, one died in infancy, the other lives in Texas. After graduating Bolivar High School he studied at Drawings Business College in Springfield Missouri. He worked for the Mississippi Shipping Company in New Orleans before going to Los Angeles, at which time he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served two years of duty in Germany. Returning to Southern California Roy attended Woodbury College of Design studying photography.

Later, Roy's professional photography career took off earning him recognition and accolades. He was associated with the Los Angeles Times, Rockwell International, and Photography Inc. Roy's free-lance work includes publications in Palm Springs Life magazine, Home magazine, U.S. News & World Report - Book Division and his photograph of the Hollywood Bowl received international recognition through publication in Life Magazine. Roy concluded his photography career with a cover photo and spread covering the last Space Shuttle, Endeavour in Aviation Week Magazine. He was named Photographer of the year by Rockwell International's Space Division in recognition of his accomplishments.

Roy had two historical books published; Bunker Hill: Last of the Lofty Mansions and Sunset Boulevard: America's Dream Street. He donated the body of his works to the Photographic Historical Archives at the Los Angeles Public Library.

After retiring to Palm Springs, Roy completed five genealogy books about his family lineage which were published. He enjoyed travel and did so extensively throughout his life until his health restricted him from traveling.

Roy is survived by his loving partner Douglas Darwin of Palm Springs; brother Harold L. Hankey and wife Judy of Texas; nephew Byron Kurt Hankey, wife Kim and their two children, Zoe and Jeremiah also of Texas; and his niece Lisa Hankey and her two daughters Sydney and Shelby all of Topeka, Kansas.

Roy's sincerity, charming personality and wit earned him many loving and dedicated friends. His many career accomplishments earned him acclaim. He will always be remembered. At Roy's request his body will be cremated and no formal service will be held.