Roy Lee Dye 1923-2004

Roy Lee Dye was born April 3, 1923 in Hannah, Missouri. He was the ninth child of eleven children born to the late Harvey F. "Whis" and Stella (Helton) Dye.

As a teenager, Roy joined the Old Friendship Baptist Church and was baptized in a pond by the church. He later moved his membership to Fairview Baptist Church. After moving to Waynesville, he became a member of the Deerlick Baptist Church.

Roy served his country in the United States Navy from July 1943 until December 1945. He fought during World War II and was stationed in the Marshall Islands.

On June 16, 1951, Roy was united in marriage to Shirley Kathryn Zehr. They were blessed with one son, Joe Whis. She preceded Roy in death on August 30, 1972, along with 3 infant daughters.

Roy graduated from University of Missouri at Columbia in 1952 with a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture. He taught school for 11 years with the Richland and Anderson School Districts. After leaving the field of education, Roy became an insurance agent for M.F.A. and Shelter Insurance and served in that capacity for 46 years.

On March 17, 1984, Roy was united in marriage to Carol Brown in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared over 20 years together.

Roy was a member of several organizations: Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375 AF and AM, Scottish Rite-Valley of Joplin, Abou Ben Adhem Temple of which he was a Past Temple Trustee, Pulaski County/Ft. Leonard Wood Shrine Club of which he was a past Rajash, a charter member of American Legion Post 331 in St. Robert and a lifetime member of VFW Post 3168 of Laquey.

Roy enjoyed being outdoors. He loved being on his farm with his cattle and showing his horses. He really liked to go fishing, whether at the lake or at the river. Most importantly, he treasured the times that he could spend with his family and his friends.

Roy passed away the afternoon of Tuesday, June 22, 2004 St. John's Breech Medical Center in Lebanon, Missouri at the age of 81 years, 2 months and 19 days.

Roy will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by his wife, Carol of the home; one son: Joe Whis Dye and his wife, Judy of Waynesville; two brothers: Harvey Dye and his wife Pansy and Chester Dye all of Waynesville; two sisters: Clara Mae (Dye) Black and her husband George of Edgar Springs and Georgia (Dye) Primus of Waynesville; one step-son: Don Brown of Laquey; two step-daughters: Brenda Sherrel and Kathy Stica, both of Waynesville; several grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, his wife and his three infant daughters, Roy was preceded in death by his brother, Charley Dye; 4 sisters: Virgie Dye, Elsie Bailey, Mary Dye and Freeda Graves; and one infant brother.

A Masonic Service was held at 7:00 PM Thursday, June 24, 2004 in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 PM Friday, June 25, 2004 in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Rev. Danny Graves and Rev. Gary Humphrey officiating. Roy's sister, Georgia Primus played the prelude and accompanied Roy's granddaughter-in-law, Arthena Dye as she sang "Amazing Grace" and "The Old Rugged Cross". The song "Peace In the Valley" was played. Serving as escorts were George Douglas Black, Gary, Harvey Lynn, Kenneth, Randy, Ray, Ronnie Joe and Walter Dye.

Burial with military honors followed in the Deerlick Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the United States Navy of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.