Gunner, Roy Rogers' Obituary
Roy Rogers Gunner, beloved father, grandfather, and veteran, passed away on February 27th 2025 at the age of 85. Roy was born on May 11, 1939, in Franklin, Louisiana, to Lionel and Julia Gunner. Roy was the third of 11 children born into a family that instilled the values of hard work, service, and perseverance. He was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School in Port Arthur, Texas Class of 1958.
In that same year, Roy joined the U.S. Navy, where he served with distinction. He underwent aviation electronics training in Millington, Tennessee, and was stationed at various duty posts, including Milton, Florida; Atsugi, Japan; and San Diego, California. He married Maggie L. Winfrey, on December 22, 1962, and the couple built a life together, raising their two children Randall and Nichelle.
After leaving active duty in 1968, Roy continued his service in the U.S. Navy Reserves for another decade, ultimately rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. His commitment to duty, country, and community remained a central part of his life.
In a testament to his dedication and work ethic, Roy transitioned seamlessly from military service to academia. After leaving active duty on a Friday, he began attending San Diego City College the following Monday. While pursuing his education, Roy worked nights at General Dynamics, never taking a vacation for seven years. He earned his associate’s degree in business administration and then enrolled at Western State University College of Law, where he graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 1975.
Roy went on to establish a successful private law practice, also contributing to his community as both a Deputy District Attorney and a Defense Attorney with the Public Defender’s Office. His legal career was marked by a commitment to justice and fairness, and he was deeply respected by colleagues, judges and clients alike.
In 1992, Roy met the love of his life, Barbara. They married on August 7, 1993, and shared a beautiful life together, filled with travel and cherished moments in Baja, Mexico, alongside family and friends.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Lionel and Julia Gunner; his brother, Lionel Gunner Jr.; and his sisters, Maggie Veazie, Josie Bell, and Susan Gunner.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Barbara Gunner; his siblings, Harry Gunner (Melody), Anthony “Red” Gunner (Tammy), Brenda Gunner, Donald Gunner (Shizua), Charles Gunner (Cynthia), Gary Gunner (Barbara), and Michael Gunner (Toni); his children, Randall LaRoy Gunner and Nichelle Marisa Johnson; and his bonus children, Lisa Grossman (Randy), Louis Lake II (Carmen), Lloyd Lake (Erica), and Leslie Lake Cyprian (Mark).
Roy was a proud and loving grandfather to Kailyn and Karissa Johnson, Louis Lake III, Ashley Wells, Aliyah Campbell, Jalen Lake, Nyla Cyprian, Cairo, Che, and Cayden Lake. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Kyler Grossman, William, Arya, and Wynter Wells.
Roy was deeply appreciative to B.J. Horne, Lenda Cyprian, Erica Abdullah, Donna Mc Neeley and his nephew, Jason Breckenridge, for their friendship, love, care, and support. Roy also looked forward to his phone calls with friends Dr. Blanchard, E. Bernard Moore Ph.D, Lou Lou, and Ernest.
Roy will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his country, and his profession, as well as his kindness, intelligence, and sense of humor.
He leaves behind a legacy of service, education, and love. Roy will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
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