Tom Roy, 75, Bunkie
A memorial mass for Tom Roy was held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with the Rev. Stephen Scott Chemino officiating. A reception followed at the Roy home.
Mr. Roy, age 75 of Bunkie, passed away peacefully at this home on Monday, September 26, 2022.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Tony and Inez Hodges Roy.
Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Gwen Adkins Roy of Bunkie; his sons, Christopher Roy and wife Lynn of Bunkie and Jonathan Roy of Baton Rouge; his siblings, Dorothy “Sissy” Reyna and husband Armando of Waco, TX, Toni Dixon and husband Hal of Brandon, MS and Mark Roy and wife Carrie of Pineville; and his granddaughters, Grace Roy, Molly Roy and Madeline Roy.
Mr. Roy was born in Bunkie and a graduate of St. Anthony School and Bunkie High School. His pride in the community of Bunkie and its citizens, many of whom he taught, was a focal point of his life.
Mr. Roy was a life long educator, receiving his BA, MA and Master’s Plus 30 at Northwestern State University. He taught 3rd Grade at Bunkie Elementary for 15 years and was principal of Bunkie High School for 16 years. After retirement, Mr. Roy continued to teach when the Bunkie and Avoyelles communities needed him, first as JAG teacher at Bunkie High and later instructing inmates for the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Roy’s pride and support for his former students was unwavering. He never forgot a single student, teacher or school employee.
Mr. Roy was a proud veteran of the US Army, training at Ft Polk’s “Tigerland” before serving in the Cold War’s Berlin Brigade.
A lifelong resident of Bunkie, Mr. Roy had a lifetime of service to the community. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus; helped bring t-ball to Bunkie and served as the city’s first Recreation Director; founded St Anthony Parish “Come Lord Jesus” teen program; coached Bunkie High Tennis team; past President of the Bunkie Quarterback Club and Bunkie High Football coach. Mr. Roy served on dozens of organizations, events and community committees and volunteered countless hours.
Mr. Tom, Uncle Tom or Papa Tom to the families who knew him, always had a freezer of ice cream treats or fresh fruits or vegetables planted in the garden for their children to pick and enjoy. He had deep love of the outdoors. He took special joy in bringing children and their parents on hunting and fishing trips. Mr. Tom was an accomplished gardener taking particular pride in his heritage roses.
Papa Tom’s granddaughters held a very special place in his life as anyone who knew him was quickly reminded. His love and support for his girls will always be cherished. He will be missed but never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church 409 St. John St. Bunkie, LA 71322, St. Anthony Catholic School 116 S. Knoll Ave. Bunkie, LA 71322 or Cenla Pregnancy Center P.O. Box 13907 Alexandria, LA 71315.
Online condolences may be sent to www.hixson-ducote.com