Col. Roy H. Boone, USAF, retired, age 79, died unexpectedly on Friday, January 15th, 2016.

Born June 6th, 1936 in Panama City, Roy attended Bay High School, class of '54, attended Emory University in Atlanta and later graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1964. Roy served as a USAF fighter pilot from 1958 until his retirement 30 years later in 1988, attaining the rank of Colonel. He was a Command pilot with over 5000 hours in fighters and served 2-1/2 combat tours in Vietnam flying the F-100 Super Sabre, A-1 Skyraider and F-4 Phantom. Roy served with distinction and was awarded the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross (4 bronze oak leaf clusters), Legion of Merit (bronze oak leaf cluster), Meritorious Service Medal (3 bronze oak leaf clusters) and the USAF Air Medal (6 silver oak leaf clusters).

On December 25th 1958, Roy married Margaret Arnold of Panama City and together they had four children, Roy (wife Marnice), Stephanie, Scott (wife Reta) and Brian (wife Julie). Roy and Margaret have four grandchildren, Lauren, Stephen, Michelle and Mark. Roy was also survived by his nieces, Tina Broderick and Darlene Bauer (husband Gregg). Roy was preceded in death by his daughter, Stephanie, and his parents, Earle and Lucy Boone of Panama City.

Following Roy's retirement from the military, he and Margaret settled in Apalachicola, Florida. Roy enjoyed spending time with friends and family but especially loved bass fishing on the Apalachicola River.

There will be a private burial ceremony in Panama City.