Roy Harris Blackmon, Jr.

Roy Harris Blackmon Jr.

September 18, 1947 – September 18, 2026

Roy Harris Blackmon Jr., 79, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026, on his birthday, with his beloved daughters by his side.

Born on September 18, 1947, to the late Roy Sr. and Jane Wilson Blackmon, Roy grew up with a deep sense of duty, honor, and courage. At just 17 years old, he stepped forward to answer his country’s call, serving bravely in the Vietnam War as a member of the U.S. Navy Seabees. His time in Vietnam shaped much of his early life, leaving a profound and lasting impact on him, particularly through the tragic loss of his best friend, Robin.

Following his initial service, Roy maintained his connection to the military through his enlistment in the United States Naval Reserve, he also worked various jobs as a delivery driver and as an insurance salesman for Indianapolis Life Insurance. In 1986 Roy enlisted for active duty in the US Navy, which is where he served and dedicated his life to defending his country, and protecting those he loved.

As an Information Technology and Intelligence Chief, his brilliant mind and technical expertise were vital to the development and implementation of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile system. Throughout his distinguished naval career, Roy served onboard several Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, where he also served with distinction as a Career Counselor. A plank owner of the USS Laboon (DDG-58), Roy's assignments spanned vital roles with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Cinclant, and he proved his deckplate leadership at sea as a qualified Officer of the Deck (OOD).

Roy's impact extended far beyond tactical and technical excellence; he was a pioneering educator, analyst, and leader in institutional change. While stationed at the Navy Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center (NMITC), he served as a master Curriculum Developer and the Authoring Instructional Materials (AIM) II System Administrator, designing and implementing specialized intelligence training curricula.

He directly shaped the fleet's operational readiness as a Shipboard Intelligence Analyst Course (SIAC) Instructor, training active duty and reserve personnel across the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, as well as selected civilian and foreign naval personnel.

Furthermore, he authored the command's Sexual Assault/Rape Awareness, Risk Reduction and Victim Assistance Program Instruction, and served with immense dedication as NMITC's very first Sexual Assault Victim Intervention (SAVI) program officer.

His forward-thinking leadership and commitment to education created a foundation of safety, support, and professional excellence that shaped countless military careers.

For his dedicated service, Roy was awarded numerous military decorations, including the Navy Unit Commendation (2), Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), Battle "E" Ribbon (2), Navy Good Conduct Medal (6), Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (3), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal, as well as numerous citations from fleet and national leadership. He will be remembered as a patriot, a proud leader, and a veteran who gave his all to his country.

Beyond his military service, Roy's greatest legacy was the deep love he held for his family. He was a devoted husband to Pat, the absolute love of his life, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage and a beautiful lifetime of memories. He was a loving father to his daughters, Lisa and Lori, always desiring to provide a foundation of strength, guidance and a truly bizarre sense of humor.

As a grandfather, he found immense joy and pride in his grandchildren: Emma, Ethan, River, and Evan. His family was truly his pride and joy as he bragged about them to anyone who would listen.

He joins in eternal rest his parents, Roy Sr. and Jane, and his beloved older sister, Linda. He is survived by his wife, daughters and their spouses, his grandchildren, his sister Nancy, his brother Robert, niece Gaby and nephew Chris, and a number of extended family and friends who will miss his presence.

A private family service will be held to honor his life and military sacrifice. The family asks, in lieu of flowers to send donations to the American Cancer Society in Roy’s memory.