Roy graduated in the class of 1963 from Palm Beach High. He then continued his education earning a bachelor’s degree from St. Leo University in Tampa, FL.
Roy was a Machinist at Pratt Whitney in West Palm Beach from 1962 until he went into the Air Force in 1964. He was a Combat Medic for over 20 years in the Air Force. He had the honor of treating soldiers that came back from the war zone. Roy was a Physician’s Assistant before there was a term for one, completing surgeries, working in the emergency room, pediatrics, and in the pharmacy. He was also a Small Arms Expert.
After retirement from the Air Force, he worked at DIS (Defense Investigator Services) from 1986 until 1988 . Roy worked for North Carolina Employment Security Commission in helping Veterans find work from 1988 until 2009 and retired from here. He was a past district nine chair for the SEANC. It is clear to say that he had a heart for serving Veterans.
Roy served as past state commander, past post commander and finance officer in AMVETS-post 920. He served as past chapter commander and finance officer for the DAV #60. He was a charter member of United Veterans of America and served as past national commander, past post 1 commander and finance officer. He was a lifetime member of all the above organizations. He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion.
His one and only hobby was collecting Eagles of all sorts. But most of all, he will be remembered as a faithful husband, loving father, protector and provider.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Nada Curphey; daughter, Catherine Curphey; grandchildren, Christian, Damien, Victoria, Dallas, Zoey, CayLee, and Brooke-Lynn; great grandchildren, Brantlee and Starlyn and multiple nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in passing by his son, Roy Curphey, III and sister, Victoria Lillian Clemmons.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park. A committal service with full military honors will immediately follow at Gaston Memorial Park.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnels to Towers.
Please visit www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com to leave online condolences and fond memories for the Curphey Family.
