Roy Blake Fairchild

Roy Blake Fairchild, b.16 June 1948 – d.20 February 2022.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina 16 June 1948, Roy attended Brookland-Cayce High School, graduating in 1967. Roy enlisted and served in the US Army from 27Jul1967 – 28Jun1969. Upon completion of Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, SC; Advanced Infantry Training at Ft. Dix, NJ and Basic NCO Training at Ft. Benning, GA, Roy was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, Republic of Vietnam. Roy was immediately assigned as Platoon Sergeant to D Company.

Among his various awards and excellent service record, Roy received a Citation by the Secretary of the Army in 1969 and was awarded a Metal of Commendation. While serving as Squad Leader, Roy distinguished himself by exceptional meritorious service in support of allied counterinsurgency operations against surmounting adverse conditions. His loyalty, initiative and perseverance brought him wide acclaim among his command while inspiring and motivating his men to obtain maximum achievements.

In service, Roy received the Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Two Overseas Bars, Sharp Shooters Badge, and the Purple Heart for wounds received during an offensive campaign against the North Vietnamese Army. Roy received an Honorable Discharge upon returning home in Jun 1969.

Roy continued his education and later graduated from Trident Technical College in 1979. After giving serious consideration of entering Seminar and starting a parish in a small Pennsylvania community, Roy found himself back home after stating, “I wasn’t called to preach”. Soon enough, Roy realized his people skills and began working in Real Estate followed with a stent at the SC Dept. of Revenue. He even took a stab a politics by running for a local office. But Roy found his true passion and talent as a self-employed Specialty Machinist where he identified industry gaps in production that allowed him to become the finest and only source for custom bit design and production in South Carolina. This, combined with developing unique sharpening techniques, allowed Roy to be highly sought-after industry-wide!

Roy had fondness for the finer things in life. He found an affinity for the ‘form and function’ of automobiles, fine clothes, and the quality workmanship of specialty handcrafted tools and art. But Roy’s closest circles knew, without a doubt, that his absolute favorite pastime was playing countless rounds of golf…this is where he made and maintained many of his outstanding and lasting friends. Over the years of playing golf around the state, Roy had developed an uncanny ability to remember the specific details, playable characteristics, and challenges of every fairway and green on every course he played! If not for his love of God, community, and family, Roy would have played golf every single day!

Roy will be remembered for his sincere, loyal, and patriotic spirit, which he refined from his traditional and historic southern roots. A loving family man, Roy was dedicated to selflessly helping others to his fullest ability and without question. In early retirement, Roy enjoyed spending time traveling with Diane around the state where they would discover the many hidden gems of his home state. Roy had no problem, and greatly enjoyed, taking cross-county trips with Diane to meet ‘new’ family and friends and, of course, play a few holes.

Despite spending nearly two years confined to the bed and in constant care, Roy managed to find the courage and strength to engage in loving conversation with everyone that stopped by to visit. While holidays were somewhat ‘isolated’ from the larger crowds, Roy still managed to muster the energy and spirit to express his love and thankfulness to all that visited. While his pain and suffering increased, Roy maintained his love and faith in God. He shared, on many occasions, that “his heart was ready to meet his creator with open arms”. Many nights were spent listening to Scripture.

Survived by “the love of his life” and caregiver, Diane Tice, Roy was the father of and survived by his daughter, Kelly and Graeme Pell; grandchildren, Phoebe Pell and Sara and Kyle Possinger, and great-grandchildren, Madison Rutkoskie and Keira Pell; siblings, Jon Fairchild, Peggy Shull, and Lynn Wooten; in-laws, Martha Fairchild, Gary Hanwell, and Jerry Hanwell.

Roy is predeceased by his parents, Dorothy H. and Harold Fairchild; wife, Linda Hanwell Fairchild, and siblings, Harold and Patricia Fairchild.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2022 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel with interment to follow at Woodridge Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Fairchild family.