William Roy

WILLIAM "BILL" T. ROY, 100, of Central Lake, died Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at his home, the Eastport Village Care Home, amongst his loving friends for the past eight years. Bill was born on April 3, 1907 to Webster E. and William "Willie" Ann (Taylor) Roy in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Bill married Gertrude "Sailor" Haight, his beloved wife of 65 years on June 16, 1932 in Alton, Illinois. She preceded him in death in 1998. Unto that union, one devoted, loving son was born, Gen William Roy, who has also preceded him in death in 2001. Bill graduated from Shurtleff College in Alton, Ill., in 1930 with his teaching degree. He received his master's degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. He taught Social Studies and Political Science in Nason, Edgewood and Mt. Vernon, Illinois. After 30 years of teaching he retired in 1969 and moved to Torch Lake where he and Sailor had summered since 1959. He was a proud member of the Masons for over 79 years. He belonged to the Royal Arch Masonic Lodge #103 in Traverse City, and the North Star Masonic Lodge #354 of Torch Lake where he was the current Worshipful Master of the Ladge; the oldest known Master in the world. He was also a member of the First Congregational Church in Central Lake. One of his fondest hobbies was being a Ham radio operator and he was thrilled to sign on for one last time to speak nationwide at his 100th birthday celebration this past April. Also preceding him in death was his daughter-in-law Katherine Roy. Surviving are six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren who adored his gentle voice and kind heart. Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 27, 2007, 3 p.m., at the First Congregational Church in Central Lake followed by a Masonic service under the auspices of the Torch Lake Masonic Lodge #354. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Pastor David Wood will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church. Arrangements are being handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign our online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com