Roy Albert Guyton

Mr. Roy Albert Guyton, 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Abingdon of Hoover, Alabama, on November 12, 2025. He was born on August 25, 1932, in Central Park, Birmingham, Alabama, to Lallie Dunbar Guyton and John Louis Guyton.

Roy graduated from West End High School in 1950, where he served as Vice-President of his senior class and Co-Captain of the basketball team. A gifted athlete, he earned numerous awards in both basketball and track, including the distinguished Fred Sington Trophy for Scholastic and Athletic Excellence.

He attended Mississippi Southern College (now the University of Southern Mississippi) from 1950–1954, competing in both basketball and track. Roy became the first student in the school’s history to earn both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts degree during the same commencement ceremony after only four years. Immediately following college, he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War era, serving stateside as a Morse Code instructor—a role well-suited to his natural aptitude.

On November 20, 1953, Roy married the love of his life, Bobbye Dell Jones of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. They shared 69 wonderful years of marriage before her passing in 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents, John L. Guyton and Lallie Dunbar Guyton; his brothers and their wives, Jackson W. Guyton (Martha) and James L. Guyton (Betty); great-grandsons, John Avery Brennan and James Lawrence Stegall, as well as numerous angel babies.

Roy is survived by his four daughters, whom he adored: Dianne Guyton, Cheri Guyton Brennan (Danny), Lynn Guyton Hanson (Jody), and Andrea Guyton Lill (Duncan). He also leaves behind his grandchildren—Drew Nelson, Daniel Brennan (Michelle), Ashlee Bryan (Wes), Chris Brennan (Mary Beth), Leighanna Pillgram-Larsen (Jens), Ben Nelson, Colin Hanson (Liz), Kelly Brennan Luquire (Derek), Abbie Lill (Elija), Grace Ann Lill, Sarah Maurice Lill, and Isaac Lill—and 14 cherished great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Roy began his career as a physical education coach and math teacher at Pleasant Grove Junior High School. He later joined TCI, which became U.S. Steel, where he worked for 35 years. During his career, he played an integral role in the installation of the QBOP, Slab Caster, and Continuous Caster—work that included extensive travel to Japan, Germany, and France. After retiring from U.S. Steel, he consulted in steel manufacturing in Provo, Utah. Although he enjoyed traveling, these experiences reinforced how deeply he valued time at home with his family.

In his full retirement, Roy relished every moment spent playing, laughing, and being delightfully silly with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of their favorite games was trying to “steal PawPaw’s chair,” which inevitably led to tickle-filled laughter. Roy and Bobbye also enjoyed time in California and New Mexico visiting daughters Lynn and Andrea and their families. During these years, Roy discovered a passion for cooking, and together he and Bobbye prepared countless wonderful meals. His fried chicken and fried steak, especially, will be dearly missed.

Roy and Bobbye were longtime, active members of Bluff Park United Methodist Church, where the Friendship Sunday School Class held a special place in their hearts. Roy was an avid golfer throughout his life and proudly shot his age at 80. He was also a devoted poker player who cherished the camaraderie of his loyal poker buddies, many of whom have also preceded him in death.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to ProHealth Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Roy over the past year.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, Alabama, followed by a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. All are welcomed.