Roy was a 1940 graduate of Central High School in Bay City, MI and was a 1946 graduate of the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, where he received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. He retired as a Captain from the US Navy in 1972 after 26 years of active duty. He was a veteran of WWII and served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Roy was awarded many medals and honors, including the Legion of Merit Medal. After retiring from the Navy, Roy worked from 1973 to 1983 as a facility engineer for Delta Community College University Center in Michigan. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Carlisle, the US Naval Institute, Military Officers Assoc. of America, the Navy League, Naval Submarine League, USNA Alumni Assoc. and the Elks Lodge and the Kiwanis Club, both of Carlisle. Roy had attended the Bay City Junior College for one year, the General Motors Institute for two years and did post graduate work at Scripps Institute of Oceanography in San Diego, CA.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of nearly 66 years, Patricia (George) Atkinson, one son, Jeffrey H. Atkinson and his wife Rebecca of Evergreen, Colorado, one sister, Muriel Reif and her husband Robert of Bay City, MI, one granddaughter, Bailey Atkinson, one grandson, Bryce Atkinson, two step-grandsons; Jake and Jack Jacobson and several nieces and nephews. Roy was preceded in death by one daughter, Mary Lynne Atkinson and his twin brother, Ross W. Atkinson.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 28, 2012, at 11 a.m., in St. John's Episcopal Church, On the Square in Carlisle, with Rev. Canon Mark A. Scheneman and Rev. Marcia Wilkinson officiating. Inurnment will be in St. John's Chapel of the Good Shepherd Columbarium. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation and fellowship immediately following the service in the church parish hall. Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Carlisle, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 612, Carlisle, PA 17013.