He was born March 11, 1933, in Evant, Texas to Sherod William Alexander Townsend and Ida Irene Harris Townsend. He was one of nine children born to the couple.
Roy graduated from Evant High School in 1952 and then went on to proudly serve our country in the U.S. Army from 1953 – 1955. The next year he married the love of his life, Ethel Mae Dyer on October 12, 1956. The two raised three children, Connie Lynn, Donna Kay, and Gary Dean. Roy was first and foremost a family man, who always dedicated his life to providing the best for his wife and children. He was always working hard, whether that be as a welder, restaurant owner, or running the family ranch. Rarely would you ever find him sitting still, he was always up and moving - tending to animals or working in the yard. He was a dedicated husband who loved nothing more than his beloved wife’s homemade sweets and a great western.
He is survived by his wife, daughter Connie Lynn and husband Clint Mayhew; daughter Donna Kay and husband Bryan Henry; son Gary Dean and wife Susan Townsend; along with 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He passed away peacefully on March 4, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.
