A man. A soldier. A born leader.
Marine Sgt. Michael C. Roy was all those things and more to his friends, family, and fellow servicemen, more than 100 of whom gathered Saturday at the New Testament Baptist Church in Cape Coral
to celebrate the life of the man who once called North Fort Myers home.
Roy, 25, was killed July 8 by a sniper while on duty in Afghanistan’s Nimroz province, a week before he was due to return to Camp Lejeune, N.C. It was Roy’s third tour of duty in the Middle East.
Sunday would have been Roy’s 26th birthday.
“One of the things I’ll always remember about him was he always had a smile on his face,” said T.J. Midgett, a childhood friend of Roy’s.
That ubiquitous smile reflected a generous, enduring spirit, a spirit that could not be wiped out by a sniper’s bullet.
“Mike, I know you’re up in heaven looking down on us right now, embarrassed at all the attention you’re getting right now, but you deserve it,” Midgett said.
Roy leaves behind his wife Amy, and three children – Olivia, 4, Mikey, 2, and Landon, 15 weeks.
After enlisting in the Marines two weeks after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Roy proved himself a natural leader and gifted servicemember. He earned 18 commendations for service, including the Bronze Star for bravery. He was assigned to 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Advisor Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
“This church is honored to have a person like Mike in its ranks,” said New Testament Pastor Travis Lane.
Despite joining the Marines after the terrorist attacks, family and friends said Roy always wanted to be a Marine, and was not motivated by a sense of outrage or revenge.
“Being a Marine was all he talked about,” said Seth Littlestone, Roy’s nephew.
The memorial service included prayer readings, songs, hymns, and two montages of pictures of Roy’s life. It ended with a playing of Taps by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Honor Guard.
As attendees of the service left, American Legion members holding American flags lined the exit.
“He’s just going to be greatly missed,” Midgett said.