Our beloved Roy returned to his Heavenly Father unexpectedly 01/23/2024. Born 11/11/1963, Roy is survived by his High School sweetheart, Beverly; children, Noah and his wife Brooke, Caleb, and Grace and her husband Tanis Thompson; granddaughter, Josie; father, Roy Sr.; siblings, Tamra, Greg, and Diane; second parents, Ted and Glynnda Hudson, and Warren Fairbanks; and many relatives, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carole (Scott) Fairbanks.

Roy graduated from Latta High in 1982 and from East Central University in 1990, where he earned a Bachelor's in Journalism and minor in History. His love of writing led him to work at The Ada News where he received numerous AP awards.

Roy was a National Board Certified teacher at Wewoka, Moss, Latta, Vanoss, and ECU. He loved literature and creative writing, and was extremely proud to lead his academic teams to state.

Roy spent his life preaching and was an ordained evangelist at the Galey Church of Christ, traveling in and out of the country spreading the gospel, baptizing, encouraging and helping those in need.

Roy's love for National Parks helped him realize his lifelong dream of becoming a published author. His first books were The Day Old Faithful Stopped and Finders Keepers, which won the Oklahoma Book of the Year and a trip to the Library of Congress to give signed copies to young readers.

As a lifelong, avid fan of the Texas Rangers, he was overjoyed to be able to witness his team finally win the World Series.

He considered his biggest blessings to be his family, whom he adored. They lived, laughed, learned, and loved together continuously, singing and traveling and going on grand adventures. Family and friends know he was a devoted husband and father with a kind, generous, and loving heart who "never met a stranger."

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for a scholarship in his name, using Venmo @deering91 (3244).

Memorial service to be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the Latta High School Gymnasium. Ada, OK