Roy was born in Hannibal, MO, on March 15, 1930. He was preceded in death by his parents Burney LeRoy Fishback and Frances Madeline Fishback and his sisters Martha DeWitt (Dede) Shaw and Alma Frances Bise. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Shirley Ann Fishback of Darien, GA. Additionally he leaves one son and one daughter and their spouses: Ed and Tammy Fishback of Centralia, MO; Fran and Brian Wills of Darien, GA.
Roy is also survived by five wonderful grandchildren and their spouses: Elizabeth and Brian Jacobi; Stephanie and Jamie Stansell; Eric Wills; Ben Wills and Rebecca Manning; Ashley and Daniel Force. He also leaves his seven adored great grandchildren: Caleb, Ethan and Benjamin Jacobi; Matthew and Nicholas Swartz; Savannah and Michael Stansell. His eighth great grandchild is expected in January. Nephews Glenn and David Davidson; Harold Shaw and nieces Leah Davidson; Nancy and Peggy Shaw also survive him.
Roy was a graduate of Perry High School in Perry, MO, attended Westminster College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. After graduation Roy attended Supply School in New Jersey and served on active duty until his resignation and return to Perry, MO. During his service, he developed a passion for sailing, which culminated in building his own sailboat christened “Restf’l.” He enjoyed many weekends sailing on Mark Twain Lake with his family and friends.
Roy was a third-generation owner of Mark Twain Publishers, publisher of The Perry Enterprise, The Center Herald, and the Ralls County Herald-Record. He was devoted to the community of Perry for more than fifty years and served on numerous nonprofit boards including: third-generation Board of Advisors for the Missouri School for the Deaf, Elder and Deacon of the Perry and Vandalia Presbyterian Churches, member and former president of the Northeast Missouri Press Association, and member and officer of the Jaycees and Kiwanis clubs. Roy was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #302, the Shriners, and Kappa Alpha fraternity.
In his later years, Roy worked at Blackjack Marina. He was also chosen to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., which honored his military service during the Korean War.
Roy was friendly and a consummate gentleman, always greeting everyone with a kind word or two. Because of his sunny sense of humor and childlike charm, he was known as “Beady Eyes.” He was an avid comics reader and loved to watch cartoons. Peanuts was his all-time favorite, particularly Snoopy and his happy dance… “Never stop smiling.”
Services will be held at The First Baptist Church, Perry, MO, on Saturday, October 27. Visitation will be from 1:30-3:00pm and Memorial Service from 3:00-4:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Honor Flight Network at https://www.honorflight.org/donate-now/ or Missouri School for the Deaf, 505 East Fifth Street, Fulton, MO 65251-1799.
Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Edo Miller and sons Funeral Home www.edomillerandsons.com
