Roy Delmar Gabbard

Our beloved father Roy Delmar Gabbard went to be with our lord on June 8, 2025, in Austin Texas, at the age of 87. He believed in justice in doing right by others. My father taught us what it means to live with courage, to lead with character and to live with loyalty. To speak about my father is to speak about a life filled with purpose, strength, and unwavering integrity! Roy was was born in Fayetteville Arkansas in a cabin in the middle of winter with no running water or electricity. At the age of 13 his mother and siblings boarded a Greyhound Bus and moved to San Francisco with his mother and his siblings in the middle of winter. Roy enlisted in the US Marines Corp at age 18! He served from 1956-1959 where he served his country with pride and discipline followed by two years of reserves. He served two years in Okinawa, Japan as and served 7 months serving on the USS Bexar with the U.S. Navy in 1958 and another ship soon after.  His time in the marines shaped the core of who he was, who valued duty and gained strength of a warrior and with a humble heart! My father married Joyce D. Gabbard in San Jose California in 1961. Together they built a life grounded in love and commitment, raising three children: Joylyn D. Gabbard, Shelly Lynn McAdams, and Aaron J. Gabbard.  They were married just shy of their 60th Anniversary!  He went to work for General Electric as a Machinist! He worked there for 19 years before making a move to Washington State working as a Diesel Mechanic for Burlington Northern. He is survived by two daughters, Shelly Lynn McAdams of Austin TX, Joylyn Gabbard of Puyallup WA and his Son Aaron Gabbard of Puyallup, Carl McAdams Son in law of Austin, Brycen Gabbard, Grandson of Puyallup WA, He is also remembered and loved by his Granddaughters Jessica Leviege, spouse Mike Leviege, Elizabeth Rios of Waco and spouse Alan Rios, Great Grandsons, Leo Leviege, Austin, TX, Elias A. Rios, Waco,  TX, loving niece Stephanie Gabbard of Spokane WA, and several other nephews, niece also hold his memory dear. My fathers greatest legacy was the love for his family and sweet dogs Bow, and Pepper! Roy found peace in taking drives in his old trucks! He found peace working on old trucks—a reflection of both his mechanical skill and his love for the trade.  Roy was preceded in Death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Joyce D. Gabbard, wife, Beulah Gabbard, Mother, William Edison Gabbard, Father, siblings, Henry Gabbard, James T. Gabbard, Will Gabbard, Danny C. Gabbard, Pearl Gabbard, Adrian Gabbard. He was a devoted father, beloved Husband, Father, U.S. Marines Veteran, Friend,  provider, a strong and steady presence, always there to help or simply a listening ear. To honor my father is to live each day with the strength and grace he instilled in us and carry a part of who he was with us. A proud Marine Veteran with a steadfast work ethic and enduring devotion to family,  My father leaves behind a legacy of dedication that will continue to inspire those who knew him. A memorial will be held at a later date in Northern California with close family and friends. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. Semper Fi. We love and miss you dearly dad!