Johnny Boyd McRoy, a respected and cherished member of the Mechanicsville, Virginia community, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2024, at 10:18 AM, surrounded by his loving family. At the age of 88, Johnny succumbed to a long battle with leukemia, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and love.
Born on November 1, 1935, in Rosedale, Mississippi, Johnny was the youngest child of Rosie Nelson McRoy and Whitt McRoy. He grew up with three siblings and demonstrated exceptional talent in mathematics and basketball during his time at Rosedale High School.
Following his graduation, Johnny followed his older brothers’ footsteps by enlisting in the United States Air Force, committing himself to the service of his country. Over a distinguished 22-year career, Johnny rose to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. His military journey took him across the globe, with assignments at Andrews A.F.B. in Maryland, Oxnard A.F.B. in California, the Military Advisory Group in Ethiopia, Eglin A.F.B. in Florida, and Rickenbacker A.F.B. in Ohio. He also served at Goose Bay in Nova Scotia, and faced the perils of war during a challenging assignment in Durang, Vietnam. During the Vietnam era, Johnny endured bombings and other dangers, describing those days as the scariest he had ever encountered.
In 1976, Johnny retired from active duty and embarked on a second career, bringing his financial acumen to the Department of Social Services in Henrico County, Virginia. His role as Business and Finance Manager was marked by outstanding service and numerous accomplishments. Even after his retirement, Johnny continued to share his expertise, volunteering within the Treasurer’s Office of Abundant Life Church of Christ.
Johnny’s life was enriched by his personal interests. He was often found tending to his yard, engrossed in an episode of
“JAG,” cheering on his favorite football team, or catching up on the latest news on CNN, always with a piece of candy in his pocket.
In 1962, while stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, Johnny met Alice Gertrude Brown of Richmond, Virginia. Their loving union brought forth a son, Johnny Boyd McRoy II, the boy Johnny had always wished for.
Johnny is predeceased by his parents, Rosie and Whitt McRoy, as well as his siblings Anoise McRoy, Anna Catherine McRoy, and William Clay McRoy.
His memory lives on through his devoted wife, Alice Brown McRoy of Mechanicsville, VA; his daughter, Vivian Cosey-Glover of Milwaukee, WI; his son, Johnny B. McRoy II of Mechanicsville, VA; and his daughter by heart, Paris Perrault of Rocky Mount, NC. Johnny also leaves behind his grandchildren: Johnny B. McRoy III of Washington, DC, Sahara Alyse McRoy of Raleigh, NC; Bonus grandchildren, Tiffany Baker of Mechanicsville, VA, and Vincent McRoy of Clarks Summit, PA; along with five great-grandchildren, and godsons Oliver and Vincent. He is survived by his nieces Alice Faye Howard, LaJuana, Chandra, and Zenobia, and nephews Henry Johnson and Joe Robert Pope. His extended family and a host of precious friends also cherish his memory.
Johnny Boyd McRoy’s life was a testament to dedication, both to his country and his family. His legacy of service, love, and kindness will forever be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know him.
