- Date Of Birth: December 17, 1924
- Date Of Death: February 23, 2022
- State: Kentucky
Pastor E.
E. Harold Roy was born December 17, 1924, to Leslie C. and Olza Gosser Roy of Russell County, Kentucky. He had an older brother, James E. (Billy); younger sister, Enola; and younger half-sister, Veldean.
Harold spent his formative years in the Casey County area surrounded by his parents, grandparents, lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Growing up during the depression was a challenge for most, but Harold and his family handled it well. Their faith was strong, and their work ethic was great. Their farm was productive, and their gardens were plentiful. Harold helped wherever he was needed and was usually found tagging along with his older brother Billy.
Harold enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII serving on destroyer ships in both the Atlantic Ocean theater and then in the Pacific Ocean conflict. He was present during the capture of the German U-505 submarine (which is on display in Chicago at the Museum of Science and Industry). He was present for the signing of the Armistice with Japan in Tokyo Bay, Japan. Later in life he was to write a book about his Navy experiences, titled “Ships, Submarines and Kamikazes”. Having served in multiple campaigns during the war, he was awarded six battle stars, two Presidential citations, the Philippine Liberation medal, and Cross of Valor. In addition, he is the recipient of numerous (and I mean numerous) veteran organization awards, ribbons, and medals from several countries.
Harold Roy and Retha Adkins were united in marriage on March 16, 1946. They set up housekeeping in Casey County, Kentucky, and settled into an intended life of farming. However, a year or so after the birth of their first son, Joel, they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, to obtain more lucrative work. While living in Cincinnati, a friend invited them to attend some meetings, and from those meetings sprung new faith & beliefs.
Harold felt impressed to enter God’s Ministry – so he and his little family packed up and moved to Collegedale, Tennessee, where he attended Southern Missionary College, completing his B.A. degree in Theology in three years instead of four. Their financial means were meager during those college years, but with love, faith, perseverance, and help from God, they made it through.
Harold loved music and played the harmonica, guitar, mandolin, and banjo. He was a prolific author of books, booklets, and numerous magazine articles – and had a deep passion for genealogy.
In addition to his parents, Pastor Roy was preceded in death by an infant son and his youngest son, Michael in 2014. His loving wife Retha preceded him in death by 20 days.
He is survived by his son, Joel, and his wife Sandy; daughter-in-law, Kim Roy; granddaughter Misha and her husband Toby Porter; grandson, Christopher Roy; great-granddaughter, Maiah Porter, and great-grandson, Garet Porter; great-granddaughter, Cambree Roy; and great-great grandson, Frederick (Freddy) James Anderson.
Link:
