Roye Paul Leckemby Please Note Addition of Special Services Roye Paul Leckemby, age 86 of Smithfield, Pa., passed away Thursday, April 12, 2012 at his home with his loving family by his side.
He was born at Smithfield Pa., on December 23, 1925 the son of the now late Robert P. Leckemby and Ossetta (Hull) Leckemby.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Wanda Marie (Freeman) Leckemby on August 26, 2003; a brother, Everett Leckemby; one sister L o r r a i n e Layton; and his recent companion, B e r t h a Bilovesky on March 16, 2012.
He is survived by one daughter, Judy Moyers and husband Todd of New Port Richey, Florida; two grandsons Douglas Proud and Teresa Lake of Smithfield, Pa., and Tyson Moyers and wife Joanne of New Port Richey, Florida; one great-grandson, Jacob Proud of Smithfield, Pa.; two sisters, Priscilla Rozell and husband Homer of Richfield, Ohio and Verna Nichol-Timura and husband Steve of Fort Charlotte, Florida; a special sister-in-law, Pat Freeman Glines and husband George of Oklahoma City Oklahoma; a special niece, Cindy Barton; and several other nieces and nephews.
Roye was well known in the area and always greeted family and friends with his notable ‘firm handshake’.
Roye was a graduate of Smithfield High School and attended Bethany College and the University of Louisville.
He was a veteran of World War II who served with the United States Navy Patrol Bombing Squadron 91 where he was a Radioman and earned his wings as a Navy pilot.
Roye was often seen flying over the skies of Smithfield having owned and piloted his own plane following the war.
He was a member of the Smithfield United Methodist Church where he served as a Trustee and on Administrative Board for many years.
He was the owner/operator of Roye’s Photography Studio in Point Marion, Pa., until his retirement in 2000, where generations of school students a n d n e w l y w e d s w e r e p h o t o g r a p h e d a s well as numerous local events.
His dedicated service to the community extended well over sixty years as he joined the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department upon returning from his call to duty in 1947.
He served many different offices but most notably was his term as Chief for nearly 20 years. He was active in the Fayette County Firemen’s Association where he was past President and Chaplain.
He belonged to the Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association and the Fayette County Fire Police Association
He was an avid ham radio enthusiast known by his call of N3ROA he belonged to W3PIE the local amateur radio club.
An a v i d h u n t e r a n d sportsman, he was currently President of the Fairchance Rod and Gun Club and was i n s t r u m e n t a l i n t h e reorganization and growth of the club, bringing national and world class benchrest matches to the area.
He was inducted into the Eastern Region of the National Benchrest Shooters of America Hall of Fame in 2011.
During the 1960’s, Roye enjoyed racing supermodifieds at Morgantown Speedway and other area race tracks where his yellow number 6 was a fan favorite.
He was an active member of the American Legion Post 278 in Fairchance.
Roye will be greatly missed by the many Fayette County residents whose lives he touched.
The family will receive friends in the JOHN F. BROWNFIELD FUNERAL HOME of Smithfield, Pa., today (Sunday, April 15, 2012) from 2 to 8 p.m. and on Monday, April 16, 2012 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. when Services will be conducted with Reverend Jay Polowsky officiating.
Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F Cemetery Smithfield, Pa.
Full Military Rites will be accorded by the General George C. Marshall AMVETS Post 301 of Hopwood, Pa.
The Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department Tanker Truck, purchased when Roye was Chief, will serve as the Funeral Coach on Monday with the volunteer firefighters a s honorary and a c t i v e pallbearers.
Today at the Funeral Home :
-Fairchance Rod and Gun Club members will meet at 5 p.m. and
-Firemen will hold their Service at 7 p.m.