Roy Pendleton Wilson passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2016.
A lifelong resident of the Tabb Community of York County, he was born during the great depression on April 29, 1929, into a hard-working family on Wilson Farm in Tabb, a rural area at that time.
He was the sixth of eight children born to Willis Estridge Wilson and Lillian Clyde Moore Wilson. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Violet Junior, Pearl Presson and Lorraine Hayes; brothers, Thaddeus Wilson, Frank Wilson and Wilton Wilson.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lillie Wainwright Wilson, whom he married May 18, 1957; daughters, Cynthia Beach (Randy) and Lori Linton (George McKinney); son, Roy Wilson Jr.; grandchildren, Angela Pollock (Karl), Rebecca Evans (Billy), Anthony Muscatello (Courtney) and Indiana Linton; great-grandchildren, Nora Pollock, Silas Pollock, Karis Pollock, Lillian Pollock, Conner Evans, Graham Evans and James Evans; brother, Maywood Wilson; and many beloved nieces and nephews. His mother and father were inspirational to him.
While growing up on the family farm during his boyhood, and helping with the necessary chores, he developed a strong work ethic and learned much about responsibility, discipline and perseverance. The experience was comparable to serving an apprenticeship in farming. He attended Poquoson High School, and after starting a career at Newport News Shipbuilding at an early age, he continued his education, while actively employed, through various home-study courses and night-school programs.
A former section superintendent in the Machinery Installation Department of the Shipyard, he retired in 1992, upon completing a special assignment, and after 47 years of service. Roy earned the status of master shipbuilder. His career involved his participation in the sea trials of many surface ships and submarines. He was a plank owner of the USS RANGER (CVA61) and a recipient of numerous Polaris Submarine Deep Dive certificates.
He was a member of the Shipyard’s Progressive Club and Tabernacle United Methodist Church of Poquoson and its Friendship Bible Class. Roy loved his family and could fix anything that broke down. He began building his home immediately after marriage, and despite working many overtime hours in the shipyard, completed it, with help from relatives and friends, in 18 months. This was his and Lillie’s only home after their marriage. Cyndy, the oldest child, was confused about what to call him, hearing him called both Roy and Daddy, so she called him Roy Daddy.
Many friends of his children called him that, and the name defined him. His grandchildren told their grandmother that he could never say ‘no’ to them, but could to her! After retiring, he frequently helped friends and relatives with repairs to lawn, farm and automotive equipment and anything else that needed fixing. He coordinated the building of a house for his daughter and granddaughter and enjoyed vegetable gardening, working in his yard, daily swimming at the YMCA, watching western movies and spending time with and helping his family. He was the ultimate family man, always putting family first and himself last.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, at Tabernacle United Methodist in Poquoson with the Rev. James N. Earley officiating. Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church for two hours prior to the service. Burial will be private prior to the visitation in the Mausoleum Garden of Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News.
In lieu of flowers, Roy requested memorial contributions be made to Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 831 Poquoson Ave., Poquoson, VA 23662.
To share online condolences with the family, click here.
To view the full list of WYDaily obituaries, click here.
