Roy Lee Orr

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, THE FAMILY REQUESTS MEMORIALS IN HONOR OF ROY ORR TO NEEMA HOUSE, P. O. BOX 21553, WACO, TX 76702 OR CREEKSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST FOR HOLLAND MISSIONS FUND, 5401 EAST US HWY. 287, MIDLOTHIAN, TX 76065 Roy Lee Orr, a native of DeSoto, Texas was born October 2, 1932 in Dallas, Texas to Willis and Audra Mae (Hill) Orr. He was raised by grandparents Eldred and Mae Hill. Roy, a devoted Christian, went home to be with the Lord and join his loving wife Janice in Heaven on Friday, January 29, 2016. He married the love of his life Janice Gallagher in 1952. They celebrated 63 years as husband and wife, raising four wonderful children, and being surrounded by grandchildren and great grandchildren. Roy was preceded in death by his wife Jessie Janice (Gallagher) Orr on November 30, 2015; his parents Willis & Audra Orr; grandparents Eldred & Mae Hill and Roxie & Fred Orr. He is survived by daughters Valorie Barrett & husband Steve, Roxie Yeldell & husband Brent, Lei Ann Reeves & husband Ronnie; son Tim Orr & wife Ginger; grandchildren Bryan Barrett & wife Danell, Zach Barrett, Brannon Yeldell, Dustin Yeldell & wife Aimee, Jeff Reeves & wife Heather, Brady Reeves & wife Macey, Matthieu Reeves, Peyton Orr, Brayden Orr, Mason Orr; great grandchildren Jackson Barrett, Olivia Barrett, Parker Barrett, Cade Yeldell, Brody Yeldell, Holden Yeldell, Hayes Yeldell, Abigail Reeves, Chloe Reeves; brother Fred Orr & wife Jackie; sister-in-law Sue England & husband Doug; brother-in-law Jerry Gallagher & wife Judy; aunt Bonnie Woolever; nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and many friends. Roy Orr was a successful businessman and dedicated public servant. His career reads like a history of Dallas County and the State of Texas for the last third of the 20th century. Governors and Presidents sought his leadership and vision. Few men have done so much from the grassroots of North Texas to the highest offices in the state, and even to the national level of political and governmental leadership. He was elected to the DeSoto School Board (where he served as President), the Mayor’s office in DeSoto, and as Dallas County Commissioner for 10 years. The Texas Democratic Party elected him to its Executive Committee and as Chairman of the Committee. He was elected to serve as a Delegate to the National Democratic Convention in 1968, 1972, and 1980. Roy was elected to the National Association of Counties where he served as a member of the board (1975-1977), 2nd Vice President (1978-1979), 1st Vice President (1979-1980), and President (1980-1981). He was elected Treasurer of the National Democratic County Officials. He served as the Chairman of the Regional Transportation Council. Roy was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the Board of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Affairs and by President Ronald Reagan to the President’s Advisory Committee on Federalism. Texas Governor Ann Richards appointed him to serve on the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission where he served as a member and also as chairman from 1991-1997. Governor Richards also appointed him to serve as Chairman of the Texas State Property Board. Governor Mark White appointed Roy to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and the Texas Aeronautics Commission.. Governors Dolph Briscoe and Bill Clements appointed him as Chairman of the Texas County & District Retirement System Board. In the midst of this incredible record of public service, Roy was asked by his fellow citizens to serve in leadership positions in DeSoto Chamber of Commerce, Texas Research League, Oak Cliff Lions Club, Dallas Alliance, Dallas Assembly, DeSoto City Charter Commission, Advisory Board of Abilene Christian University, the board of the Medina Children’s Home, and the Executive Committee of the Board of Circle Ten Boy Scout Council. His tireless service to the community was recognized with many honors including Dallas Press Club Headliner of the Year, Dallas County NAACP Man of the Year, Oak Cliff Man of the Year, and the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year (twice). Roy was a colorful and compassionate man revered as a servant leader and honored by cities for his service. The City of DeSoto, his hometown, dedicated Roy Orr Trail in his honor, while the City of Grand Prairie recognized him with Roy Orr Boulevard. In addition to his public service, he also was a leader in the church. He served as an elder and deacon at the DeSoto Church of Christ and later in life as an elder at the Brown Street Church of Christ in Waxahachie, Texas. He was a remarkable man who could and would do all that was possible for his fellow man. He was loved, he was admired, and all who knew him respected him. He was always there for his friends and his family. One could have no better friend or mentor than Roy Orr!

Roy Lee Orr

October 2, 1932 - January 29, 2016