Roy Dees

On December 26, 1950, Roy Joseph Dees arrived on this earth prematurely in the middle of a Chicago snowstorm in the back of his uncle's new car. He passed away far too soon on November 16, 2018, at Springhill Medical Center in Mobile, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Alvin Eugene Dees and Adeline Rita Dorman Dees, infant brothers David and Daniel, and dear niece, Johanna Pereira Lynch. Left to love and treasure his precious memory are his heart-broken wife, Mary Beth Bosworth Dees, and son, Matthew Jordan (Michelle) Dees of Mobile. He leaves behind three cherished sisters, Linda Pereira of Mobile, Anita Draime of Stockton, and Laurie (Gary) Hall of St. Johns, Florida; beloved brother, John L. (Nancy) Dees of Huntsville, Alabama; and deeply saddened nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues near and far.
Loving, kind, and generous to all, Roy proved his character and determination early in life by becoming the first Eagle Scout of the Saint Dominic Catholic Church Boy Scout Troop 143. After attending St. Catherine, St. Dominic, and McGill Catholic Schools, he graduated from Davidson High School. He then attained his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of South Alabama where he was a leader in the U.S. Army ROTC and Pershing Rifle Drill Team and also received the Distinguished Military Graduate Award.
After graduation, Roy received a regular Army commission and served 8 years as an officer in the Field Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and in West Germany. He left the Army for a civilian life in Mobile, choosing to live among family and friends in the area he loved so well. The strength, integrity, and commitment which had guided him in his early life were hallmarks throughout his business career. Roy was always genuinely interested in other people and worked hard to help both acquaintances and strangers, thus so many of his clients became good friends.
Roy had a passion for fishing, hunting, and all things outdoors which was nurtured alongside his father in his youth and continued throughout his life. In later years, the pure joy of sharing adventures in the woods with his son kept him hunting long after he might have been tempted to stay warm and comfortable at home.
Roy enjoyed traveling with his great friends, Julius and Joyce Layton of Mobile, and special cousins, Larry and Jackie Dees of Tillman's Corner. Vacationing with in-laws Margaret and Robert Odom of Plano, Texas, was a special treat, giving him an extended opportunity to tease the usually polite Margaret into swearing at him in exasperation.
Roy's wit, good nature, and thoughtfulness were a blessing to both acquaintances and strangers. He enjoyed a good joke even if on himself. He excelled in hosting loved ones in his home. Nothing was too good or too much trouble for his guests.
Roy loved the following passage, The Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann. The life he lived is a testament to how closely he followed its tenets.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Gregarious in life, Roy has chosen to be reserved in death. Final arrangements are private.