Roy Lee Brinlee

Roy Lee Brinlee passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025. He was born on May 18, 1948, in Los Banos, California, to Charles Elmer and Eula Mae Brinlee. He graduated from Los Banos High School and later moved to Chico, California, where he attended college and developed a lifelong love of sports, including rugby.

Roy married his first wife, Paulette House, and together they enjoyed live music in San Francisco, including attending the first U.S. performance of Led Zeppelin. They had two children, Elizabeth and Nathan. In 1980, they purchased and operated a 7-Eleven in Fresno, California, which they ran until 1992.

In the same year, Roy went to work for McLane Pacific as a sales representative/supervisor, a position he held for 10 years. In 2002, he joined Regal Wine Company, where he deepened his knowledge of – and appreciation for – wine, often referring to it fondly as a “food group.” He served much of the San Joaquin Valley as a part of the sales team until his retirement in 2013.

In 1999, Roy met Janis Burford, who he married and spent the rest of his days with. His new blended family included Shannon, Megan, and Heather. Together, they enjoyed many years going to the Shaver Lake cabin and were active in the Shaver Lake Fishing Club. He was heavily involved in helping with the club’s annual fundraiser for the Central Sierra Historical Society.

During his retirement, Roy and his wife had many travel adventures, including visiting Alaska, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and traveling down the Mississippi River. Roy especially cherished time with his grandchildren. His favorite pastimes included fishing, boating, hiking, woodworking, gardening and music. He also enjoyed watching and attending his beloved Golden State Warriors and San Francisco 49’ers.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Shirley, Patricia, Alice, and Betty (Judy); his brothers James, Jerome, Charles, and Dennis; and his daughter, Shannon.

He is survived by his wife, Janis; his children Elizabeth; Nate and his wife, Sarah Kandiko; Megan and her husband, Jordan Allen; and his grandchildren Heather, Emmett, Jackson, Brayden, Jayse, Juniper, Corbin, Meridian, Kolton, and Bodie. He is also survived by his sisters Sarah Jean and Diane; his brother Larry; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at Belmont Memorial Park in Fresno, California, on January 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice.