Tommy Gerald Roy

Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, May 30, 2013, at Memory Gardens Mausoleum, with Tim Roberts, Rev. Dallas Stringer of Calvary Baptist Church, and Rev. C. W. Parker, Odyssey Hospice chaplain, officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. On May 28, 2013, Tommy Gerald Roy passed from an earthly body to a heavenly one, from the pain and suffering of an earthly struggle, to a joyous and everlasting eternity. His new life is allowing him opportunities and reunions that his earthly state never could, as he is now with his mother, father, brother and sister in the presence of Jesus.Tommy was born August 28, 1947, in Durant, Oklahoma, to Tommie Roy and Pauline Roy. Contracting polio at the age of three, Tommy was destined to spend the rest of his life as a child. Tommy became one of God?s ?special? children. In a true testament to God?s charity and loving kindness, God always cared for Tommy. Every difficult and trying circumstance in Tommy?s life was used to glorify and exult the everlasting and ever caring God.Tommy had a childlike zest for life, as can be evidenced by his favorite activities: attending ?special schools,? watching television, and singing at church. Greater than his childlike zest was his unconditional love for everyone and everything. He did not understand "lack of love" or "cruelty." He unselfishly would give anything he had, and tried to be everyone?s friend. He truly brightened many lives. He had a sweet spirit.After Tommy?s parents passed away, Tommy moved to Lancaster, Texas. Lancaster Residential Center became his home for 22 years. This was a tremendous experience that allowed him to make many friends, both of the highly dedicated staff and his peers. Many thanks to all who in those years made Lancaster Residential Center a home. Also, many thanks to the ministry that First Baptist Church of Dallas provided to those with special needs.In April of 2008, Tommy came to live out the rest of his life at Coronado Healthcare Center in Pampa, Texas. Tommy made many friends here, and would like to thank "Honey," "Sunshine," "Sweetheart," "Dumplings" and "Beautiful." These kind women know who you are, and need know that you made his stay enjoyable and complete. Many thanks to Will, Noe, and Odyssey Healthcare of Amarillo as well. The staff of Odyssey Healthcare of Amarillo were truly amazing.Thank you, one and all, for the kindness that has been shown to Tommy. Thank you all for the cups of coffee that you brought to him, which was one of his greatest joys in life, for the awareness of him, for the anticipation of his needs and wants, and most fully for the simple things that have meant so much to him. Thank you for helping Tommy with the television set, because his day was never complete without Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Andy Griffith, The Beverly Hillbillies, and Wheel of Fortune. He lived with suspense at the happenings of Marshall Dillon, once even worrying for a full day when Marshall Dillon was shot, and the show did not resolve the issue until the next day (Marshall Dillon was fine). Tommy's favorite lady friend was Vanna White, and she waved him goodnight almost every night. Granny was his favorite character on The Beverly Hillbillies, and he loved to dance to the show?s theme song. To delight in simple things.Lastly, Tommy grew up in the Salvation Army Church of Pampa, Texas. Church attendance was one of his greatest joys in life. Jesus said, ?...come unto me as little children,? and Tommy did. He learned that Jesus loves him, and he accepted this on childlike simple faith. Tommy took joy in singing. He would stand by an old elm tree by our house and sing, ?Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.? This is one of our family's fondest memories. For a child, a song of reassurance; for our Heavenly Father, joy.Tommy was preceded in death by Tommie Roy, his father, Pauline Roy, his mother, David Roy, his brother, and Betty McPherson, his sister. Survivors include his brothers, Bill and Janice Roy, of Pampa, Texas, and Don and Libby Roy, of Lexington, South Carolina. Tommy has numerous nieces and nephews.