Roy and I literally grew up together in the 1950s and 1960s. We were neighbors and classmates, meeting initially in second grade and attending the same schools through graduation. I saw Roy’s family often; his parents and siblings were so kind. Roy was much like his dad it seemed to me, with a wide welcoming smile and aways something positive to say. 

Tampa’s Wellswood was a great neighborhood with so many school classmates within a few blocks. We could always put together a group to play football in the large area of back yards in the middle of the block. Sometimes teams eroded into “manslaughter” where a ball-carrier tried to score while pursued by everyone else, painful chaos in other words. Many from this group have remained close friends for almost 70 years!

Music became a close bond too as Roy and I were in elementary orchestra, and the junior-high and senior-high marching bands together, for years side by side as fellow drummers. Roy became a truly professional musician widely known throughout the Tampa area performing with the Paragons. Roy loved music and he knew how to express it deeply. It was his special gift. And he was the Tampa Bay area’s best pop-music drummer for many years. “Rock On” Roy.

I have endless shared memories of special times. After our wedding in Maryland Mary and I flew to Tampa to begin our honeymoon. It was 2:00AM and exiting the plane’s doorway we were surprised by Roy and Elsie standing right there with huge smiles and a bouquet of flowers. After very big hugs and joyful congratulations they were gone, not wanting to interrupt our new lives together.

To Roy’s family, Mary and I are so sorry for your loss. The grief of losing a loved one is so hard but it can soften when seen as a very deep expression of love.

"Nolie" and I were friends in high school. As a drummer in the marching band at HHS he was a regular sight at pep rallys and sporting events where the band performed. Roy's enthusiastic playing at those events served to excite that renowned Big Red school spirit.

After graduating in '66 , Roy and I endured 1st year classes together at USF. Bored to tears by academia we would often find ourselves just watching the USF lab band practice instead. At that time music was Roy's true passion. We would spend time between classes in the parking lot in Roy's '59 Pontiac, listening to AM radio & drinking warm beer with fellow grad Ronnie Nonell. I recall Roy's excitement over music from the popular bands of the day. But Roy especially liked soul music.

While still at HHS he & I went to a concert at the Homer Hesterly armory where we found ourselves as the only 2 white kids in the gyrating audience of the James Brown Revue. Unbelievably, we seemed to fit right in. I am fortunate to have shared many hilarious times like that with Roy over the years.

A talented musician & performer at heart, Roy's busy career with the Paragons was a life's fulfillment.

In the 70's we both got married & started our families. It was Roy however who found his one true love in the sweetest girl in all the world. Elsie & Roy would have been together always had she not been rendered comatose in a tragic auto crash. Destiny brought Roy the greatest challenge of his life in confronting Elsie's disability while single parenting their small children. Remarkably thru it all, Roy maintained his good nature, positivity and sense of humor & was a friend to my wife Sandy & I over many years.

His devotion to his wife & children (especially Erin) is evidence of his Christian faith & while it has been a joy for me to know Roy in this life; I look forward to our renewed friendship in the eternity that awaits all who know Jesus.

May God bless Roy, his children & loved ones for ever & ever.

Truly a father has never loved his daughter more.

A rare occasion and night on the town for some comedy, dancing and fun!

Stan & Sandy with proud father and HHS grad Glen Hammer & his lovely wife.

"Nolie" and I were friends in high school. As a drummer in the marching band at HHS he was a regular sight at pep rallys and sporting events where the band  performed. Roy's enthusiastic  playing at those events served to excite that renoun Big Red school spirit. 
After graduating in '66 , Roy and I endured 1st year classes together at USF. Bored to tears by academia we would often find ourselves just watching the USF lab band practice instead. At that time music was Roy's true passion. We would spend time between classes in the parking lot in Roy's '59 Pontiac, listening to AM radio & drinking hot beer with fellow grad Ronnie Nonell.
I recall Roy's excitement over music from the popular bands of the  day. But Roy especially liked soul music.
While still  at HHS he & I went to a concert at the Homer Hesterly armory where we found ourselves as the only 2 white kids in the gyrating audience of the James Brown Revue. Unbelievably, we seemed to fit right in.
I am fortunate to have shared many hilarious  times like that with Roy over the years.
A talented musician & performer at heart, Roy's lengthy career with the Paragon's was a life's fulfillment.
In the 70's we both got married & started our families. It was Roy however who found his one true love in the sweetest girl in all the world. Elsie & Roy would have been together always had she not been rendered comatose in a tragic auto crash. Destiny brought Roy the greatest challenge of his life in confronting Elsie's disability while single parenting their small children. Remarkably thru it all, Roy maintained his good nature, positivity and sense of humor & was a friend to my wife Sandy & I over many years. 
His devotion to his wife & children (especially Erin) is evidence of his Christian faith & while it has been a joy for me to know Roy in this life; I look forward to our renewed friendship in the eternity that awaits all who know Jesus. 
May God bless Roy, his children & loved ones for ever & ever.

I knew Roy from work at AAA Cooper till 2002. He was a great guy, always upbeat and caring. He will be missed. My sympathy to his children.

Dad was a great father and my best friend.  He was always there for me in the good times and the bad. He was a loving and caring man.  To dad I was "Sugar Bear".  Dad you will be missed dearly.  I love you so much. Rest in Peace.  Now you are reunited witn Mom.

My dear brother Roy was taken too soon and  I will forever miss his cheerful nature and wonderful sense of humor . You are forever loved, your sister Renee

OBITUARY

Roy Noland Jr.

18 September, 1948 – 31 August, 2023

Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories

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