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Roy Gene Sullivan passed away Friday, December 23, 2022, at his home in Ponca City, OK. He was 87. Visitation is scheduled at Trout Funeral Home Chapel from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Thursday, December 29, 2022, 505 West Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK. A Celebration of Roy’s Life will be held at Trout Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 pm Friday, December 30, 2022, with Mr. Russell Aday officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be private. Those unable to attend the Celebration of Roy’s Life in person may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website, www.troutfuneralhome.com and click on the live-stream or toolbar icon on the top right corner after 1:45pm.
Roy was born in Paris, AR, on August 8, 1935, to Crawford Pettyjohn “Jack” and Rachel Ella (Dunn) Sullivan. As his parents’ only living child, Roy was the center of all attention. He was raised alongside a multitude of older cousins who also adored him. Growing up, he was affectionately known as “Roy Gene” to his family and classmates.
Roy graduated from Paris High School in 1953 and attended College of the Ozarks on a football scholarship. After one fun, but less-than-stellar academic semester, Roy decided college wasn’t for him. He left school and moved to southern California, joining his extended family. Upon arrival, he noticed recruiting posters for the Marines that read: “See the world, join the Marines!” so he did. After graduating from boot camp where he trained as a machine gunner, his unit sailed westward from San Diego toward a conflict at the Suez Canal, but it was resolved before they arrived. The mission was revised from conflict resolution to goodwill distribution so for the next 21 months, a shipload of Marines spread American goodwill across Asia docking in Pakistan, India, Ceylon, Singapore, Brunei, and Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1957 achieving the rank of Sergeant while earning the National Defense and Good Conduct service medals.
After his discharge, he went to work for KEC Company landscaping highway medians and other large-scale plantings. While landscaping Fort Huachuca, AZ, he met the beautiful but shy Carolyn Martin, a waitress at the local diner. He would flirtatiously leave her tip money in the bottom of his water glass. She wasn’t too sure about him especially since he reeked of manure most days. He wooed her with romantic one-liners such as “Your teeth are like stars, they come out at night” and “Your eyes are like pools, cesspools.” His charm finally won her over and they married in Norwalk, CA, on June 21, 1958, recently celebrating 64 years of marriage. They made their first marital home in Cypress, CA.
Roy decided that California was not the place he wanted to raise his children, so in July 1967, he and Carolyn loaded up their three children and moved to Ponca City, OK, so he could fulfill his dream of self-employment. Sullivan’s Trucking began as a small, family-run, local company with one semi-tractor and trailer. Roy and Carolyn, with the assistance of son Terry, grew the business to 125 trucks running nationwide with satellite terminals in four states. Roy and Carolyn took good care of their employees who they considered family. After 45 years in business, Roy sold the company in 2012 to Action Resources.
Roy was civic minded and sponsored many youth and adult sports teams through the years. He was a member of the Ponca City Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotarian of the Year in 1995-1996, and a member of the Quarter Century Club. He volunteered for the Poncan Theatre, sponsoring several shows for our community’s enjoyment, helped create the Poncan Opry, and served on the Board of Directors. He also was known for making homemade ice cream with his John Deere “Poppin’ Johnny” tractor helping to raise money for various organizations and charities including Hospice of North Central Oklahoma and Peachtree Landing. Roy also volunteered for many years during The Festival of Angels helping to spread cheer across the community.
Our dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015. It has been difficult to watch the cognitive decline with this disease, but he remained sweet, funny and kind. He still entertained us with his famous one-liner jokes and wisecracks even when his disease was in the late stages. If you asked him to help you out, he would quickly reply “Sure! Which way did you come in?”
Our mom’s wish was for dad to live at home until his passing. Granting this wish would not have been possible without the help of his dedicated family, caregivers - Haley, Carol and Kim - and Hospice of North Central Oklahoma. His family is grateful he passed away peacefully in his home of 55 years with loved ones, and his beloved cat, “OneEye,” nearby.
Roy is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of the home; his son, Terry, and daughter, Michele (David) Baskin of Ponca City, and daughter, Lesylee (Phillip) Hodge of Springdale, AR; his grandsons, Tyler (Kacie), Ryan (Casey), and Austin Sullivan; and granddaughter, Shea (Garrett) Newport Base; and four great grandchildren: Joey, Riley, Elijah, and Conner. He was proceeded in death by his parents, big brother Jerry Jack Sullivan, and his beloved grandson, Blake Andrew Newport.
Roy, the sweetest man we have ever known, will be greatly missed. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601 or the Poncan Theatre, 104 E Grand, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.
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