CENTRAL CITY, Ky. — Roy Wayne Loney, 78, of Central City, died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, at 4:15 a.m. at Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital.
Mr. Loney was born Oct. 19, 1942, in Ohio County, Kentucky. He was a minister and member of Luzerne General Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Kathleen Loney, and son, Keith Loney.
He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Jean Steele Loney, and daughter, Terisa (Cary) Pentecost. He was blessed with many grandchildren, Tabitha Loney, Jordan Long, Amber Loney, and Spencer Long, and many great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Muhlenberg Community Hospital Long Term Care, Dr. Eric Bandy, Rev. Kerry Vincent, and Rev. Shane Garrett. There have been so many people involved in daddy’s care in the last four years it would be impossible to name them all. Most of all, we want to thank God for the pleasure of being in the life of this wonderful man.
Funeral services are private. Tucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.
By: Kathy Crabb Hannah
Roy Wayne Loney, age 78, won a race today.
It feels odd to type it, even odder to say it.
But somehow, that boy that was born to Kathleen and Roy Hugh Loney, in a little house in Echols, Kentucky, back in 1942, ran to them this morning. Finally, he was at home.
He found his son first. You see, Keith left first. And that’s not how it’s supposed to be. And I can’t imagine that homecoming!!!!
Did Roy find Jesus first, before Keith? Probably. If you know him like I know him , I would certainly bet on that one.
He loved Jesus. How am I confident of that?
I know what he did, how he worked, how committed he was to the call.
You see Roy was that guy that stayed up all night to fix the electrical problem so that his church could have Sunday morning meeting. He faithfully pastored for 24 years, loving his people with his words AND deeds.
His family sang for many years and he was incredibly proud of them. As he should have been.
But he was more than a compliment, a pat on the back, kind of guy.
He was ALSO the guy who rolled cords, drove all night, and propelled others to take the stage while he dealt with the struggles. He could have written the “how to” manual on being supportive.
He knew the word like most of us know the lyrics to Amazing Grace. We learned songs, he learned scripture. That was Roy. He served the Lord and he served others. Every. Single. Day.
Not only was he a servant of God, he possessed a brilliant intellect.
Hey, he’s worked on everyone’s television in the state of Kentucky I think. Back in the day. As I said, he was always looking to solve an issue. And didn’t that make for a great tech guy? Before there was a tech industry, Roy WAS the tech industry in Western Kentucky.
He was the one who was always willing and able to go. If my momma needed a problem solved? I called Roy.
The truth is? Roy and his wife Jean were the connective tissue for me and music, when I was a very young girl. They encouraged me to play piano for their group, allowing me to stay, or go. Depending on which season of life I was in.
I played piano off and on for their family for fifteen or twenty years. I learned about the anointing from Jean. I learned about perseverance from Roy.
The love that they gave me has lasted a lifetime, the lessons will never leave me.
Roy? He left nothing undone. Nothing.
And then there’s the most important piece of the Roy story. He was kind. Nice.
He was rarely angry, and always concerned.
He was simply one of the good ones.
I sure hope he looks for Momma and Uncle Truman tonight. If I was a betting gal, I’d say that he’s found them by now. And I can’t imagine the stories he’s told.
I’m not a scholar, never claimed to be one. And I sure don’t know for sure what kind of memory we will have in Heaven. And guess what?
You don’t know either.
But I sort of hope Roy told Momma about this pandemic!!! She always told me that times were coming that would test us, try us, and shake us.
But oh my. I pray . . . .I pray, that he told her that we’re holding on to our faith!!!
And honestly, as the memories roll, the tears are a river. But tonight, on the other side of this messy journey called life, I’m so thankful for the tears, the memories, and the love that I feel.
This kind of love transcends time, distance, and certainly is not shattered by death.
Roy Loney. I am so much better for knowing you. Thank you for investing in my life.
And please give Momma a hug for me.
How she loved you!!!
