Roy Fields Dennis

Roy Fields Dennis, born in Tarpon Springs, FL on Father’s Day, June 19, 2005, tragically left us on January 3, 2025, as a result of a motorcycle accident. He was the beloved son of Kevin and Darice Dennis of Tampa.

“Roy Boy” grew up on Davis Islands with lots of neighborhood kids. He attended Gorrie Elementary, Villa Madonna Catholic School, Camden Military Academy, and graduated from Plant High School in 2024. Roy always loved the outdoors and camping, which led him to Cub Scouts and then Boy Scouts where he achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout. A highlight of Roy’s scouting was hiking 45 miles in seven days at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico with Dad and Tampa BSA Troop 22. The Wateree District named Roy its Eagle Scout of 2022 for his project at the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site.

Roy Boy loved and adored Lelia, his big “Sissy.” They were very different but shared a lot of fun times together, with Roy always making sure Sissy had the best view, seat, etc. Roy loved to cook – Friday night pizza-making with Mom was a favorite – and Roy’s key lime pie was outstanding. He really looked forward to our backyard parties. He was high-energy and was always doing the craziest stunts on the backyard trampoline, zip line, swings, water slides and the giant GiGa balls that were the hit of the neighborhood. Roy was a self-taught unicyclist and could be seen tooling around our block – he even rode his unicycle in a play at Villa Madonna.

While Roy Boy could be “on” to the extreme, he had a big heart and was quick to find the first-aid kit when a friend was hurt. He also seemed to be much better behaved at everyone else’s house…

After four years of JROTC, Roy made the admirable decision to join the United States Army and was in the midst of boot camp, preparing for a future dedicated to service. Roy was a newly enlisted Private First Class in the United States Army, stationed at Ft. Sill, OK. Roy wanted so much to help people and saw the Army as his best opportunity to achieve that goal. He would have been a great soldier.

On his last day, Roy again made us proud – he was an organ and tissue donor and his gifts are saving, and improving, many lives.

Roy is survived by his loving parents, Kevin and Darice Dennis, loving sister, Lelia Dennis, and devoted pup, Rocket. Roy is also survived by his “Oma” Elfriede T. Fields of Sebring and his “Grandma” Carolyn H. Dennis of Lakeland, along with aunts and uncles, Calvin and Becky Dennis of Auburndale, Alan and Tiffany Fields of Sanford, and Brian and Livia Fields of Maitland. Roy was predeceased by his “Opa” Fred T. Fields of Sebring and “Grandpa” Paul D. Dennis of Lakeland.

Last week we lost what mattered the most – more time with Roy. We lost that opportunity in an instant. Please create and treasure your time with family and friends – we never know when that opportunity will be lost. To quote one of Roy’s favorite country music songs (“Til You Can’t”): “Don’t wait on tomorrow, ‘Cause tomorrow may not show…”

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, with military honors beginning at 5:30 PM, at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609. Roy will, at a later date, be interred at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to either Roy’s Tampa Boy Scout troop (Tampa BSA Troop 22) or the USO (benefitting active military and their families). Links are provided in the Donations section below.