Roy Antonio Blyden

Roy Antonio Blyden of Tampa, FL was born January 21st, 1933 on the beautiful island of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to proud parents William and Lolita (Chinnery) Blyden, the fifth child of eight (8) children. Roy had a great childhood growing up with his siblings and very much enjoyed riding his bike with his good buddy Rudy Frances. After completing his education at Washington School, he joined the U.S. Army. Upon returning home, he attended and graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School. He was an Administrative Officer employed by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Public Works from which he retired. Simultaneously, he continued his military career with the U.S. Army Reserves and the National Guard, retiring after 23 years.

He was married to Roselia (Purcell) Blyden (deceased) until 1979 and that union produced four children. Preceding him in death were his two daughters Beverly (Blyden) Jackson of Georgia and Deborah (Blyden) Randall of Maryland; one brother Pedrito, and four sisters Gwendolyn, Ralda, Dorothy, and Beryl.

Surviving him are his wife Rita Maynard-Blyden, daughters Jacqueline Blyden-Harrigan and Diana Blyden-Owiwietuni (Emmanuel) of Dallas, GA; son Elijah Blyden (Kameika) of St. Petersburg, FL; stepdaughter Elizabeth Maynard of Charlotte, NC; sisters Eslyn Chesterfield and Amy Blyden both of St. Thomas, USVI, and sisters-in-law Enid Blyden (Pedrito) of Delaware, Barbara Weathers and Julian Julius (Frank) both of Spring Hill, FL.

Other survivors are nine (9) grandchildren, nine (9) great grandchildren, and five (5) great-great grandchildren; five (5) nephews, two (2) nieces, and additional friends and relatives too numerous to mention.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, October 29th at Lutheran Church of Our Savior (8401 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33615); burial will take place on Monday, October 31st at Florida National Cemetery (Bushnell).