Roy Columbus Asbury, Jr

Roy was born in River Springs, Maryland, on August 4, 1925. His mother, Laura Marie Banagan, died when he was 2 years old. He was raised by his grandparents until he moved back to Washington, D.C., at age 9 where he grew up with his best friend Ronald Warren’s family. Roy passed away peacefully at home with family by his side in Lakeland, Florida, on July 21, 2018. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy C. Asbury, Sr., mother, Laura Marie Banagan, daughter Laura Grace Asbury Williamson, and granddaughter, Elizabeth Williamson. He is survived by his wife, Jacquetta (Jackie) Baker Asbury, son Anthony Asbury (Carol), and daughter Merri Asbury Elson (Jeff), granddaughter Gwendolyn Asbury Williamson, grandson Ben Williamson, granddaughter Ellen Williamson, grandson Adam Asbury, granddaughter Beth Hatfield, granddaughter Lisa Howland, and grandson Jeffrey M. Elson. He was the family’s greatest protector, supporter, and friend. He was the most selfless man to his family and devoted his time to anyone in need. He took great pleasure in athletic activities like running, tennis, and swimming. Roy was Manager of TECO when he retired after 47 years in the natural and propane gas industry. Roy was asked to join Rotary in Eustis, Florida, in 1964. He served as secretary and President-Elect. He joined Lakeland Rotary in 1966, where he served as secretary of the 185-member club for 4 years and served as President in 1973-74. He served as District Governor of District 696 in 1981-82. He served on the Board of Heartbeat International for Dr. Henry McIntosh for 18 years. He served as the area coordinator for the Polio-Plus campaign, exceeding the goal and leading the District in contributions. He served as Youth Exchange Chairman in 1980-81 and hosted 2 Youth Exchange students from New Zealand. He was the Group Study Exchange Leader for the First Women’s Team to Bangladesh in 1989. He earned Rotary International’s top 3 awards- the “Citation for Meritorious Service” for 1985-86; the “Distinguished Service Award” for 1991-92, and the “Service Above Self Award for 1992-93.” He was involved in the formation of four Rotary Clubs: Lakeland South, Lakeland North, Lakeland Christina, and Lake Wales Breakfast. Roy took service above self as a way of life and passionately lead Rotarians in countless worldwide outreach programs. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801, with services Thursday, July 26, 2018, at 10:00 am at Heath Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Burial Park, 4620 US Highway 98 South, Lakeland, FL 33812. The Family requests memorial contributions be made to: The Rotary Foundation in Roy Asbury’s name at https://my.rotary.org/en/donate.