Roy Thomas Hubbard, aged 80, of Halifax VA, passed away peacefully on his birthday, July 27, 2026, at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem, Virginia.

Born on July 27, 1946, Roy lived a life defined by dedication to his country and an unyielding spirit. He found his greatest joy on the open road, though traveling with him was always an exercise in patience. To avoid traffic, Roy insisted on departures between midnight and 4:00 AM, inevitably taking the longest country routes possible so passengers could "see the scenery." If you even mentioned that you were traveling somewhere, he would rattle off endless highway connections, as if he memorized the map, for what seemed like hours.

 

Passengers who rode with Roy were always in for an adventure as he would play old Black soul music artists like Otis Redding, old pop songs like 'In the Summertime' and classic gospel groups like the Dixie Hummingbirds ad nauseam, and he loved quizzing his family on historical/intellectual trivia. His legendary determination was on full display during a childhood trip to Carowinds amusement park, when he taught his daughter and her cousin Morse code—and then famously refused to speak a word of English for the rest of the day to force them to learn and use it.

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He carried a deep pride for his military service, having served as a U.S. Navy Radioman Second Class on submarines from July 6, 1965, to July 5, 1971. For his honorable service during the Vietnam era, he was awarded the National Defense and Vietnam Service Medals.

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He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary Oliver of Oxford, NC, his children, Phyllis SHU Hubbard of Bethesda, MD, Tanea Hubbard of Camden, NJ, Roy Hubbard, Jr. of Yanceyville, NC, Jamael and Pamela Small of Oxford, NC and his grandchildren, Jarrell Jamal Keith Battle, of Philadelphia, Briana Coleman, Jayden Small, Adasia Thomas, KeMayah Sneed and Jaquan Sneed of Oxford, NC, his sister Martha Anna Simmons, his brother George Whit Hubbard, Jr., alongside many nieces, nephews, and close relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Whit Hubbard, Mary Susan Trent and his brothers Matthew Lerbern Hubbard, Robert Bruce Hubbard and Laurence (Joe) Albert Hubbard.

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A military burial service with full honors will be held at on September 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Danville National Cemetery in Danville, Virginia. With heartfelt appreciation, the family thanks LewisGale Medical Center and Jeffries Funeral Home for their compassionate care, as well as the American Legion for their guidance as during this time of transition as he joins our beloved ancestors on the other side of the veil.