Roy Crawford Pelfrey

Born June 21, 1938, in Tunnel Hill, Georgia, Roy was the son of Carl McKinley Pelfrey and Flora Mae McKeenan. He later made his home in Charlotte, Michigan, after a life shaped by steadfast devotion to family, faithful service, and an exceptional work ethic that never sought attention, yet earned it all the same.

Roy grew up in a family that knew both pride and sacrifice. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Ann Pelfrey, who passed January 24, 2024, and by his brothers, Charles Doyle Pelfrey (December 16, 2007) and John Edward Pelfrey (July 25, 1953), a Gold Star U.S. Marine.

Roy’s early years carried him from Tunnel Hill, GA, to Detroit, MI, as a young boy. After marriage he lived in Allen Park, MI, and later in Livonia, Plymouth, Hartland, and finally Charlotte, Michigan. He graduated from Western High School in Detroit on June 22, 1956, and continued his education through the College of Advanced Traffic, The Conference Course Division, and the Traffic Club of Detroit, completing his studies on June 25, 1959—an early reflection of the intelligence and determination that would define his working life.

On October 7, 1960, Roy married Carol Ann Ostrander at Gilead Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. Their life together was built on commitment, shared faith, and steady care for the family they raised. Roy also taught Sunday School at Gilead Baptist and was associated with Hope Lutheran Church in DeWitt, Michigan.

Drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Roy served from March 21, 1963, to September 30, 1967. He carried that sense of duty into every chapter that followed—never separating work from integrity, or responsibility from love.

Roy’s professional life was marked by uncommon achievement. While still in high school, he worked at Mannion Express. After graduation, he began at Fisher Body in Detroit, rising to manager in logistics and then to Cadillac as Logistics Manager, later becoming Director of Logistics at the General Motors Building. Among his most notable accomplishments, Roy headed the transportation of the Cadillac Allante sports car from Italy to Detroit and created an efficient, economical method to transfer the Allante bodies—work that reflected both sharp thinking and practical ingenuity.

Upon retirement, he was recognized as the highest unclassified executive without a college degree, a distinction that spoke not only to his capability, but to the respect he earned through consistent excellence. After retirement, he continued to lead as President of Blazer Truck Lines and also worked with Landstar Trucking.

In later years, Roy found special joy working alongside his youngest daughter, Lisa, as a veterinary assistant in her practice, Michigan Equine Dental Services, where he was affectionately deemed the “Best Assistant in Michigan.” It was a title that suited him—earned through steady hands, good humor, and a willingness to support those he loved in any way he could.

Those who knew Roy remember not only his diligence, but the warmth he brought to everyday life. He enjoyed bike riding and walking, watching radio controlled airplanes, playing corn hole toss, and taking his dogs for long walks. He treasured simple, peaceful moments—relaxing on the back porch, watching the horses in the pasture, and watching Michigan Football with his son-in-law, David. Roy also enjoyed telling jokes, and his humor—easy, familiar, and well-timed—was one of the many ways he offered comfort and connection to the people around him.

Roy is survived by his daughters, Linda (Dana) Myers and Lisa (David) Carter; his grandchildren, Emily (Ryan) Fox, Matthew (Lauren) Myers, Andrew (Hallie) Myers, Madison Carter and Brandon Carter; and his great-grandchildren, Grayson and Quinn. He is also survived by his nephew, David (Deb) Archer, and his niece, Diane Archer.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 1PM at Hope Lutheran Church, 1180 E. Herbison Road, DeWitt, MI 48820. Visitation will begin at 12 noon until the time of service. Military Honors will follow under the auspices of the U.S. Army. Interment will follow at DeWitt City Cemetery, DeWitt.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Lansing for the excellent care provided to Roy, specifically his nurse Carol, nurse aide Kristen, nurse Ruby, and on-call nurses Therese and Bill.

Devoted, funny, and intelligent, Roy will be remembered for the steadfast way he showed up—at home, at work, in faith, and in the quiet moments that mattered most.