Roy Lee Henry's Obituary
Roy Lee Henry of Shamrock, TX passed away Monday, February 10, 2025 in Shamrock at the age of 81 years, 5 months and 24 days. A Memorial Service with military honors will be 10:00 AM Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Calvary Christian Fellowship[ in Shamrock, with Mark Thomas officiating. Immediately following the service, the family will host a visitation with refreshments at 511 N. Main in Shamrock.
Cremation and Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Shamrock.
Roy was born August 17, 1943 in Rotan, TX to Carroll and Pauline (Doyle) Henry. The family soon moved to Shamrock, and Roy attended schools there and in Hollis, OK. Upon finishing high school, Roy followed his older brother, Jack, into the U.S. Navy. During the late to mid-1960’s, he served as a gunner’s mate on the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain, which was often used as a NASA recovery ship for the Mercury and Gemini space program missions. Roy was soon deployed to Vietnam, where he patrolled the waterways and canals along the southern portion of Vietnam and around Saigon as a part of the crew referred to as the “Brown Water Navy.” When his tour of duty in Vietnam ended in 1967, Roy was honorably discharged from the Navy and he returned to civilian life in Shamrock. His post-war education continued, as he attended West Texas State University in Canyon. He married Susan Cummings on September 25, 1971 in Shamrock. She preceded him in death August 19, 2004.
In the early 1970’s, Roy worked at Richardson's Funeral Home for several years, then soon began his career with the U.S. Post Office as a mail carrier. He eventually moved inside as a window clerk at the Shamrock Post Office. After more than 30 years of service, Roy retired from the U.S. Postal Service. He was a Mason, Past Master, and long-time member of the Shamrock Masonic Lodge #929. He was also a member of the DeShazo-George Post of the American Legion in Shamrock, being honored in 2017 for more than 50 years of legion membership.
Roy was a long-time member of the Shamrock Cemetery Association Board of Directors and he faithfully attended the Memorial Day Services held there each year and sponsored by the American Legion. Another community event Roy enjoyed was viewing the Shamrock St. Patrick's Day Parade from his expansive front porch downtown. He was also an avid animal lover and adopted several rescue pets over the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Pauline Henry; wife, Susan Henry; 3 brothers, Doyle Jack Henry, Glenn Ray Henry and Carroll Wayne Henry; and a sister-in-law, Peggy Henry.
Survivors include cousins Randa Coffey of Sweetwater, OK and Renee Warren and husband, Bill of Shamrock; 2 sisters-in-law, Debbie Henry and Maryann Alessandri Henry, both of the Dallas area; nephew, Tommy Henry of Garden Grove, CA; nieces, Christina Henry Roberts and Ashley Henry, both of Dallas; very good friends Andrew Barbosa of Garden Grove, CA and Randy and Sue Lee of Shamrock; and many extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Shamrock Veterans Memorial Park, c/o City of Shamrock, 305 N. Main, Shamrock, TX 79079; Shamrock American Legion, 124 South Iowa, Shamrock, TX, 79079; or Westview Boys’ Home by visiting www.westviewboyshome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Roy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roy?
Share a story where Roy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roy you’ll never forget.
How did Roy make you smile?