RESERVE OFFICER ROY GRIGSBY

ID 9962

SDPD 04/26/1982 - 2005

07/07/1933 - 01/27/2023

Roy Grigsby, Retired US Navy, Master Chief Boatswain, of San Diego, CA passed away on Saturday January 7, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.

A native of Alabama, he was educated in the Birmingham School System. He attended Daniel Payne College in Birmingham, AL.

His parents, Lucy M. Snipes and Rev Caleb Casey preceded him in death.

Roy's love for his country allowed him to serve 32 years and afforded him many tours of duty. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and during the Cuban Mission Crisis.

At the age of 17, Roy joined the Marine Corps and was part of the first group of black marines to enter basic training at Parris Island. Within a year he was on the front lines in Korea as in infantryman.

Returning home, he attempted to continue his public service by applying for and passing all necessary exams to join the Birmingham Police Department. Due to the then segregationist policies of the state, he was denied employment strictly based on his race. Undeterred, Roy joined the U.S. Navy, as Training Company Commander of 5 recruit training companies, and would serve an additional 28 years for a total of 32 years of service to his country.

Roy attended the FBI Training Academy and was a proud member of the American Legion Post # 310 and Veteran of Foreign War Post 5179/4630. Roy followed in the footsteps of his first cousin Airman Clifton George Casey of the Tuskegee Airmen.

After retiring from the Navy, Roy continued to serve. He completed the training for the Mounted Police Department of San Diego where he served as a Reserve Police Officer for 23 tears. Roy volunteered at the local food bank, distributing food to those in need.

Roy leaves, to cherish his life and legacy, wife Sarah Grigsby and five children: Gwen DavisFreeney of Birmingham, AL, Reginald Grigsby (Suzy) of Goodyear, AZ, Micael Grigsby of Glendale, AZ, Jeffrey Grigsby of Escondido, CA, and Stephanie Grigsby (Brandi) of San Pedro, CA. He had six grandchildren: Nakesha R Davis of Birmingham, AL, Reginald Grigsby Jr. of San Diego, CA, Dr. Shenita D Freeney-Walker (Tommy) of Smyrna, GA, Deandra Grigsby of Gilbert, AZ, Michael Grigsby (Megan) of Denver, CO, Mikayla Grigsby, Glendale of Glendale, AZ. He also left two great grand-children Kiaundra Davis of Troy AL, and Micah Grigsby of Gilbert, AZ, siblings Martha Casey McDowell, Clifton C. Casey, Willie A. (WA) Casey, all of Birmingham, AL and James Casey of Cincinnati, OH and four siblings that preceded him in death: Priscilla Casey, Ruth Casey Bradshaw Hunter, Dorothy G. Alexander, and Dazzerine Harrison. Roy had a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends to include his 2nd cousin Willie McGinest Sr. of Long Beach California.

Roy was funeralized in San Diego, CA. at Miramar National Cemetery.

THE THIN BLUE LINE

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