Born in Trapnell, Florida on January 17, 1927, Roy dedicated his life to serving others. He served in the Navy before going to University of Florida, where he graduated from law school. During this time, he dated and married his cherished wife, Marion Ann, who was attending Stetson University. They lived in Jacksonville and Tavares – where he served as mayor – for a short time before building a house in Clermont in 1959. He practiced law in Clermont, ran multiple times for public office, was the Clermont and Minneola city attorney, and was a Lake County judge at the end of his career. After retirement, he went back to the law; but just for friends, family, charities, and his church, the First Baptist Church of Clermont where he was a member for over 65 years.
Roy’s deep, rich voice could be heard from the choir for many years, he was instrumental in planning every inch of the old church campus, and he sat in various leadership positions over the course of his life. The First Baptist Church of Clermont will miss a man like Roy, who never charged a dime for years of legal work.
Roy loved the Gators and travelled near and far to all the games. Football was the big show, but he supported all Gator athletics and took his kids and grandkids to many sporting events. He was a proud member of the Gator Booster Club and the UF Alumni Association.
Roy is survived by his wife, Marion Ann Caldwell, his children, Jimmy (Mary Beth) Caldwell, Merry (Phil) Penn and Irvin (Debbie) Caldwell and his brother, Robert Caldwell. He is preceded in death by his son, Sparky (Marla) Caldwell. He leaves behind ten grandchildren: Jenna Leigh (Brian) Burger, Casey (Julie) Caldwell, Kevin (Stephanie) Caldwell, Joe (Katie) Caldwell, Kristoffer (Courtney) Caldwell, Melissa Ann (Jared) Hester, Cassidy (Justin) Densmore, Brian Penn, Chloe (Julian) Mulkay, and David Penn. He has 16 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 20 at 11 am at The First Baptist Church of Clermont on Hartwood Marsh Road. This is the new location.
Roy’s legacy of service, faith, and love will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Go Gators!
(provided by Becker Funeral Home)
