Celebrating the life of Roy Louis Epting, Jr.
Roy Louis Epting, Jr., was born May 27, 1943 in Dallas, Texas. He was the only child born to the parentage of the late Roy and Lois Epting. Roy accepted Christ at an early age at Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, under the leadership of Dr. G. A. Hobart Shepphard. As a young boy, he was an active member of the Carol and Youth Choir, Starlight Band, Boy Scouts, Youth Prayer Band, Literary Drama Club and Baptist Training Union. As an adult, he was a member of the Male Chorus, Bertha M. Sheppard Music Ministry and Tape Ministry. Roy was also ordained as a deacon in the fall of 1988.
Roy graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961 and attended Bishop College, where he joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. He began his career in the Dallas Independent School District in 1970 at O. W. Holmes Middle School, where he served as a tutor and teacher assistant. In 2000, Roy retired after faithfully serving the district for 30 years.
After meeting his wife Mary, they quickly united in holy matrimony, August 5, 1967. Roy and Mary truly understood the meaning of “til death do us part”. Roy loved his wife as “Christ” loved the church and demonstrated those behaviors in their nearly 48 years of marriage. Together, they provided a loving home to their four children, Julius, Vicki, Roy III and LeByron.
During his free time, Roy enjoyed being a disc jockey (D.J.) for school dances, parties and entertainment events. During the events, his various chants were loved and often repeated by attendees. Many can recall “Shake it to the East. Shake it to the West. Shake it to the one you love the best!” and “The roof! The roof! The roof is on fiya!”
Roy was an avid Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks fan. He was extremely elated when they won and undeniably disappointed when they lost.
On the evening of August 3, 2015, God called Roy to his heavenly home. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sons, Julius Alexander and Roy L. Epting III.
He leaves fond memories to be cherished by his loving wife, Mary; 2 children, Vicki Alexander (Elton) and LeByron Epting; daughter-in-law, Martha Epting; 11 grandchildren, Montrell, Travor, Courtney, Britnany, Elton II, Elise, Xavier, Roy IV, Genarose, LeBryon II, and LeDarren; 8 great-grandchildren, Brendaja, Davieon, Dearra, Jalen, Tralon, Travon, Makayla and Nyla; 2 sisters-in-law, Doris Gillis and LaShon Washington; 1 brother-in-law, James Dean; 1 God-daughter, Bridgette; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
