Elmer Ross Roy, Sr.

Elmer Ross Roy, 84, went home to be with the Lord and his loving wife on Saturday, September 12, 2009. Born and raised in Wellington, Texas, he graduated from Wellington High School in 1943; he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944. Elmer and Joyce were married 65 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Sweetwater for 48 years. After proudly serving in the army for 32 years, he retired and opened his own business, the Minuteman Gift Shoppe, in Sweetwater. He was drafted in 1944 at the age of 19; he served with the 301st Infantry Regiment of the 94th Infantry Division in the European Theater. The 94th Division was attached to the Gen. George S. Patton’s 3rd Army. He was awarded two battle stars for service in the Rhineland and Central Europe; and the Army Presidential Unit Citation. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, for heroism in combat for saving 4 wounded buddies in combat. He was awarded an Oak Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star in lieu of a Second award for Heroism. At the conclusion of the war he was transferred to the 1st Infantry Division for Occupation Duty in Germany. While servicing here he was chosen to be a guard at the Nuremberg Military Tribunals, better know as the Nuremberg Trials. He was attached to the unit that provided security for Justice Robert H. Jackson. He returned home in 1946 and joined the 30th Infantry Division, Tennessee National Guard. On Sept 1, 1950 he was activated to National Service for the Korean War and was again sent to Germany. He returned home in 1952 and remained a member of the Tennessee National Guard until his retirement in 1984. Elmer served in the Sweetwater community in a number of different areas. He was a Scoutmaster for Troop 97, District Commissioner for the Unaka District and was awarded the Silver Beaver, the highest award presented to adults working with Scouting. He was a City Councilman for Sweetwater and served with Joyce as the Co-Chairman of the Sweetwater Bi-Centinal celebration in 1976. He was preceded in death by parents Harry Lee and Effie Goddard, wife Joyce and brothers Harry, Alvin and Claude. He is survived by sons and daughter-in-laws Ross & Gloria of Chattanooga, Tony & Angela of Nashville, Phil & Yvonne of Sweetwater and Zack & Glenda of Atlanta; grandchildren Nathan & Kerry, Jason, Dianna & Eric, Will & Raquel, Tiffany and Brittany; great-grandchildren Ryman and Carson; siblings Dora Bea Roberts of North Highlands, CA, Martha Dobbins of Amarillo, TX and Joseph Leon of Athens, TN and numerous nephews and nieces. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at First Baptist Church, Sweetwater, with the funeral service following at 7:00 pm with Rev. Keith Wheeler and Dr. Ted Clower officiating. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Offering for Foreign Mission or Annie Armstrong Offering for Home Missions, C/O First Baptist Church 303 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN. Kyker Funeral Home, Sweetwater in charge of arrangements.

Elmer Ross Roy, Sr.

March 21, 1925 - September 12, 2009