Roy Earl Carr, 78
A celebration of life for Roy Earl Carr, 78, of Gainesville, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Lilly Ridge General Baptist Church with full military honors. Visitation will be Friday morning from 10 a.m. to service time at the church. A private interment will be held at a later date.
Roy died April 29, at the family home with his wife by his side, following a 7-year battle with cancer. He was born Nov. 5, 1946, to Roy Lee and Maggie Lee (Hayes) Carr in Dr Hoerman’s office in Gainesville.
Roy attended his first years of school at Never Fail School, located on the family farm. He graduated high school in 1963 from Gainesville High School. He enlisted in the Army in March of 1966, serving until March of 1969, where he worked as an equipment operator and in maintenance repair, as well as being an instructor on the training course. During his time in the service, he earned these commendations: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Expert Rifle Medal.
After leaving the Army, he held various jobs operating heavy equipment, heavy hauler driver and worked for Ozark County as a deputy sheriff under Herman Pierce and Max Vaughn. Roy was a passionate outdoorsman, spending much of his time fishing, hunting, and raising a vegetable garden. He also loved to bake and cook for everyone (the most popular request was his lemon cookies).
While driving a truck across the country, he carried his camera and took numerous photos of the places he traveled through. Roy and Dawn attended Lilly Ridge General Baptist Church for many years. Roy was baptized July 18, 2018. Being saved and baptized was one of Roy’s proudest moments in life.
Roy is survived by his wife of 26 years, Dawn; daughters, Regina (David) Carr; Sherina (Jeff) Richey; son Jarad Gearhart; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Lee and Maggie Lee Carr; and sister Darenda S. Hodgson.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus, 707 Kentucky Ave Ste 2, West Plains, MO 65775.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.