Roy J. McFatter

Roy J. McFatter, age 85, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on Monday, March 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, and faithful friend, he lived a life that reflected his deep and unwavering faith in God.

Born in North Carolina to the late George William McFatter and Eunice Overbee McFatter, Roy grew up on a farm where his family raised cotton, tobacco, and corn. Those early years instilled in him a strong work ethic that remained with him throughout his life. He served in the National Guard, spending six months training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, and later worked for 38 years at Newport News Shipbuilding, retiring as a general foreman in 1999. He also co-owned a painting business for many of those years. An avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors, Roy took great pleasure in gardening, feeding birds and squirrels in his backyard, and sharing the vegetables he grew with family and friends.

At the center of his life was his beloved family. He was a devoted husband to Alma Woodard McFatter for 64 years and a proud and loving father to his sons, Tony McFatter (Lena) and Dempsey McFatter (Crystal). He cherished his grandchildren Andrew (Michelle), Joshua (Courtney), Nick (Katie), Colby, and Shelby, as well as his great-grandchildren Brantlee, Brooks, Leighton, Ledger, Adeline, Gracelyn, Jase, Wendy, and Clay. He held a special place in his heart for his granddaughter Jadyn Lindsay, whom he affectionately called his “China Doll.” He was preceded in death by his sisters, Victoria Gurley and Emma Phillips, and his brothers, Louis, Doug, and Andrew McFatter.

A mighty man of God, Roy was a faithful member of Smithfield Assembly of God for 36 years, where he served on the deacon board for more than 20 years, taught Sunday School, and participated in many other ministries. He and Alma also served together with Gideons International since March 2000. Those who knew him will remember his strength of character, his kindness and wisdom, and the way he welcomed others as family, always pointing them toward hope and faith. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the many lives he touched with his compassion and devotion to the Lord.