Obituary of Roy Loudermilk Jr.

Colonel Roy Lee Loudermilk, Jr. (United States Army, Retired) departed at age 85 to his final assignment on December 1, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sharlene.

Roy was a native of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Technological University where he also served as class and student body president. He later received his master’s degree from Shippensburg University.

In 1956, Roy was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps.

His Army career spanned 31 years, including one year in Active Guard Reserve. He held 15 different duty assignments and lived in 12 states, as well as overseas in Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, Iran, and Honduras. Military education included studies at the Army Signal School, Defense Language Institute (Thai), Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. Command assignments were with the Department of Army Staff, Army Communications Command, and Special Operations Command.

Awards and decorations include the Department of Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (five oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (two oak leaf clusters), Vietnam Commendation Medal, and Department of Army Staff Badge. 

His final duty station was at MacDill Air Force Base with the U.S. Strike Command and U.S. Special Operations Command.

Following his retirement in 1987, he and Sharlene were married in Tampa.

Roy then became employed as a U.S. Department of Justice Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee and assistant at a local law firm.

In addition to his commitment and service to our country, Roy also made time to serve as a volunteer.

His strong faith and spiritual commitments led him to serve as a Stephen Minister and leader at several local churches. He also chaired leadership boards and served on trustee and finance committees. He led adult worship groups and taught Bible classes.

He frequently volunteered at Fisher House.

Roy was also a patient advocate and spiritual care counselor at Florida Hospital Tampa (now AdventHealth Tampa).

An avid golfer, Roy attended the Masters and other national golf tournaments throughout the years. He enjoyed being active and often played racquetball, in addition to jogging and walking.

The funeral service to honor and celebrate the life of Roy Loudermilk will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 9:30 AM (visitation with family at 9:00 AM and following the service) at St. James United Methodist Church, located at 16202 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard; Tampa 33647. The service will be officiated by Pastors Tony Fotsch and Dwight Loomis. There will be a private interment with military funeral honors immediately thereafter at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Funeral arrangements are provided by Loyless Funeral Homes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to St. James United Methodist Church (stjamestampa.org), the Humane Society of Tampa Bay (humanesocietytampa.org) or a charitable organization of your choice.