Roy Ryan Wight's Obituary
DECATUR- Roy Ryan Wight, 79 of Decatur, passed away at 5:31 PM Tuesday, August 17, 2010 in Decatur Memorial Hospital, with his family by his side.
Services to celebrate Roy's life will be held at 11 am Monday, August 23, 2010 in St. John's Episcopal Church, conducted by Rev. Don Coventry. The family will greet friends following the service. Inurnment will be in the St. John's Columbarium. The Department of the Navy and the Macon County Honor Guard will provide full military honors at the conclusion of the service at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Roy was born on September 16, 1930 in Pampa, TX, the only child of Roy Ryan and Velvie (Estes) Wight, Sr. He attended the University of Oklahoma, then graduated from the Naval Academy in 1954 and received his Master's Degree from the American University in 1981. Roy served in the Navy and had an illustrious career of service to his country from 1954 to 1982, where he was a member of the submarine force. During his tenure he was the Captain of the USS Aspro as well as being assigned as the Commander of the Pacific Fleet. He received many commendations and awards during his service including the three Legions of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Two Navy Unit Commendations, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and two National Defense Service Medals. He spent much of his career aboard Naval Submarines. He was the Manager of the State of Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety in Springfield and many of the programs and protocols he developed are still in place and being taught today. Roy was very active in St. John's Episcopal Church. He had also served on the Financial Advisory Board for the Episcopal Dioceses. Roy was a member of the Navy Academy Alumni Association, The US Submariners Association and the US Military Officers Association of America. Roy loved his family, his church, and his country. He married Patricia A. Acker on June 12, 1954 in Hugo, OK.
Surviving are his family including his wife Patricia of over 56 years, children- Douglas Wight of Dallas, TX., Mary Wight of Decatur, IL, Jil Campbell of Annapolis, MD, and Bennett Wight of Coco, FL., seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren and one more on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
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