Edward R. Roy

Edward Robert Roy was born on March 6, 1938 in Harrisburg, PA to the union of the late William and Adelaide Roy.  They had 14 children (in birth order):  Ellis Roy, Rebecca Aldridge, Clarence Roy, Elizabeth Thomas, Essie Sweets, Hubert Lee Roy Francis Daniels, Edward Roy, Evelyn Tonsel, William Roy, Jr., Harold Roy, Reginald Roy and Timothy Roy.  Edward was the sole-surviving descendant.  Edward received his formal education in the Susquehanna Township School District in Harrisburg, PA.  Where he participated in football.  Edward was a member of Mount Sinai A.M.E. Church in Edgemont, PA during his younger life.

Edward joined the United States Marine Corps in 1956 where he served our nation with distinguished and honor.  While he was station at the Marine Corps Logistic Base in Albany, Georgia he met a carpenter by the name of John Hall.   Edward who was famous for the gift of gab quickly formed a bond with Mr. Hall and was invited to his home for dinner.  It was there he met Clara P. Hall.  The Hall family fondly called their new friend “Roy”.  Roy and Clara married on the porch of her parents’ home, the late Mr. & Mrs. John and Mamie Hall of Sylvester, GA on September 19, 1963.

Edward returned to PA and was employed as a machinist with the American Can Company of Harrisburg, PA for many years.  During this time Edward earned a barber’s teaching license and began to work part-time as barber at Chetham’s Barber Shop, in Harrisburg, PA, Roy’s Barber Shop, in Middletown, PA and later in his career as a personal barber.  After, the American Can Company closed Edward found a new career path by returning to school and studying Accounting at the Harrisburg Area Community College.  He acquired employment at the Commonwealth of PA, Department of Revenue.  He later retired as a tax examiner.

While living in Middletown, PA and raising his family; Edward was an active member of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church.  Edward instilled his strong faith and work ethic into his children. In the later years he began attending Bethany A.M.E. Church in Harrisburg, PA where his commitment to Lord grew.  He served as a deacon, a member of the trustee board and a member of the men’s choir.

Edward transitions from labor to eternal rest on March 12, 2021 in Harrisburg, PA after battling a long-term illness with family by his side.  His last visit with his family closed with May God Bless You and Keep Your Mom and all of our Family!  

Edward leaves to celebrate his life a wife 56 years Clara P. Roy; sons: Edward Roy, Richard Roy of New Burn, NC; Michael Hall (Paris) of Wilmington, DE; Raymond Roy (Danette) and A. Elliot Roy (Renai) of Middletown, PA.  And two daughters:  Clara L. Brown (Frederick) and Dian Smith (William) of Middletown, PA.  Several grandchildren: William Roy-Smith, Danielle Smith, Sierra Smith, John Hall, Raymond Abraham Roy, Vera Rebekah Roy, Kyra Brown, China Williams, Ellis Roy, and Izek Roy.  A sister-in-law Helen Hall of Middletown, PA., Bernice Hall and Evelyn Hall of Sylvester, GA.  A brother in-law Gordon Hall (Panzer) of Albany, GA.  As well as great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Lovingly Submitted

The Family