Roy A. Smith, Sr., 80, of Du Quoin, Illinois, passed away at 9:30 P.M., Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.
Roy had worked as County Engineer of Highways for Perry County for twenty-six years.  He was a Registered Professional Engineer for the State of Illinois.  He was also an ordained minister of the Lord Jesus.  Roy loved the Lord and his personal relationship with the Lord above all.  Nothing meant more to him than his family.  He was an active participant in Liberty Church in Du Quoin.  Roy was a member of the Illinois and National Society of Professional Engineers and a past member of the Du Quoin Ministerial Alliance.  Roy was co-founder of Heaven Bound Ministries and touched many lives through prison ministry at the Pinckneyville Correctional Facility, Du Quoin Boot Camp, Perry County Jail and Washington County Jail.  Roy had officiated the marriages of three of his grandchildren.  He also filled the pulpit in many area churches.  Roy was an avid deer and turkey hunter.  He had harvested a trophy deer that was recognized in Buckmasters and Boone and Crockett.
He was born April 25, 1943, in Old Du Quoin, IL, the son of Herbert L. and Lillian E. (Johnson) Smith.
He married Carolyn J. Davison on October 9, 1960, in Du Quoin, IL and she survives.
He is also survived by one daughter - Christina Mathis and husband Doug of Pinckneyville, one son - Roy "Smitty" Smith, Jr. and wife Angela of Du Quoin, one sister - Roseanna Beard of Wanette, OK, one brother - Donald Smith and wife Elaine of Overland, MO, seven grandchildren - Blayne Mathis and wife Sarah, Shyler Mathis and wife Rebecca, Jalaigh Hunt, Stile Smith and wife Whitney, Brogan Smith and wife Delainey, Jaxson Smith, and Quinn Smith, thirteen great grandchildren - Kaden Bush, Lucas Mathis, Drew Bush, Armin Mathis, Sabine Mathis, Mathix Hunt, Abrielle Hunt, Hayva Smith, Daxton Hunt, Sawyer Smith, Adalyn Smith, Karley Mathis, and Naudia Gomes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers - John E. Smith and Freddie J. Smith - and one sister - Edith Beers.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Hank Fulk officiating.
Friends may call from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Saturday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to Heaven Bound Ministries or Liberty Church and they will be accepted at the funeral home.