Born in Catawba County on August 25, 1931, he was the son of the late Fred Forney and Florence Barger Wilson. He was a graduate from Startown High School. Roy was a United States Army Artillery Veteran.
Roy started at the Hickory Fire Department on July 1, 1955 and retired as Chief of the Department on Dec. 31, 1987 after serving 33 years. He enjoyed traveling, woodworking, and trips to the mountains, and was a member of several bridge clubs. Roy enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and was a special “Pop” to all of them and loved them dearly. “Pop” was a special and kind person that was loved by all that knew him.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Wilma Bumgarner Wilson; brother, Guy Forney Wilson; and sister, Cora Alice Bollinger; step sons, Bill Coyne and Matt Coyne.
Survivors include his; wife of 34 years, Frankie Killian Wilson of the home; daughter, Kimberly Wilson Byrd of Elizabeth City, NC, Sandra Wilson Propst and husband Jimmy of Bethlehem; son, Marty Roy Wilson and wife Sara of Waverly Hall, GA; step daughter, Cathy Coyne Laxton and husband Terry of Bethlehem; grandchildren, Kyle Byrd, Gennis Edwards, Craig Wilson, Ann Howe, Kayla Frye, Mandy Kinard, Claire Starnes, Mary Bentley, April Coyne, William Coyne, and Ian Laxton; and eight great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30-1:45 p.m. at the church. Pastor Ryan T. Ray will be officiating the service.
Memorials may be made to, Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658; Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2780 N Center Street, Hickory, NC 28601; and Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Honduras Water Mission Team, 1686 6th Street SE, Hickory, NC 28602.
