He has returned to the Hickory Hollow of his childhood where Shaad Creek runs free and clear. April Showers and bubbling springs feed the rippling waters. Minnows, water bugs and frogs skitter about. They are his playmates all the day long. The whip-poor-will sounds his chant again and again as evening descends and slumber comes to me with all the sounds of the night.

With the morning sun he will follow rabbit paths through the tall grasses in the orchard, the grape arbor, and then through the garden fence he will watch them in their play.

He will find nests of blue birds, the cooing dove, the cardinal, the hummingbird, and the chickadee. The genny wren nests by the back entry door and will sing his cheery song for me and all his friends of the air to hear.

He will amble on the hillside where the sweet williams grow, follow deer paths through thickets of dogwood, hazel brush, and the wild glowering apricot. He will find cow paths in the blue grass, walk the timbered ridges of oak, hickory, and walnut. There he will find solace and paradise.

Roy L.

Roy served in the military from 1953-1961. He was recognized for his great strides in the building industry managing lumber company & Georgia Pacific. His love of restoring old cars and homes throughout the area were admired by all.

But his proudest moment came when he became a published author in 2011 with "Hickory Road".

He married Rosemary Emanuelson (Terry) on August 18, 1956, in Deselm, IL. They were married for 24 years and remained steadfast friend throughout until his death.

He later married Barbara Weathers, who remains living in Missouri.

Roy is survived by his two children and their families. His son Gordon (Jean) and their sons Dustin, Adam, Kendel, and Cameron; his daughter Hilary and her sons Robert, Alan and Grady; plus several great grandchildren and nieces and nephews; and Barbara's son and daughter, Duncan and Gwyn.

He is predeceased by his parents, Dave "Trapper Dave" and Marie (Shaurette) French; his sisters, Doris McKenzie and Deloris Boice; and his brothers, Jack and Bill French.

A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Beardstown City Cemetery. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.