Roy Leslie deForest

Roy Leslie deForest was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, on June 6, 1943. He passed away peacefully and bravely on July 26, 2026, at the age of 83, surrounded by love in his home in Oak Ridge. He was the eldest of two children born to James and Muriel deForest, and a cherished brother to Judith Christine deForest. Roy is survived by his ever-loving spouse of 63 years, Sherry deForest — his partner, his best friend, and the great love of his life. 

A US Army veteran enlisted in 1963, Roy met and married Sherry Jo Powell, beginning a marriage that would grow deeper and richer with every passing year. He was a proud, devoted husband and father of four — Christopher (Allison), James (Kimberly), Brandy (Lance), and Jason (Dianna) — who gave his children a lifetime of guidance, warmth, and unconditional love. 

He carried that same tenderness into grandfatherhood, delighting in every milestone of his eleven grandchildren: Mallory and Beau deForest. Jordan, Leah, Elena, and Troy deForest. Carter, Erin and Kate Duff, Charlotte and Shelby deForest. To be Roy's grandchild was to know you were adored. 

Prior to retirement, Roy built a successful career as a mortgage and real-estate expert in Northern Virginia, earning the trust and respect of everyone he worked with. Having spent much of his childhood in Tennessee, Roy chose to come home — retiring to be near family in Oak Ridge in 2007, a decision that gave him many more years of closeness with the people he loved most. 

A passionate bowler, Roy was a familiar and beloved face as a frequent league member at Oak Ridge Bowling Center, where friendly competition was always an excuse for good company. His curiosity never faded — he had a genuine love of technology and multimedia, and was a devoted movie and television enthusiast who enjoyed nothing more than sharing a great story well told. Music was woven through Roy's entire life, an unshakable source of joy from his youth to his final years. With refined and wonderfully eclectic taste, he took real pleasure in discovering new music and, just as much, in sharing it — always eager to pass along a song he thought someone else needed to hear. 

Roy will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his easy warmth, and the quiet joy he took in life's simple pleasures. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will carry on in the family he cherished so deeply. We miss you, Daddy. 

Family will accept visitors at Roy's home in Oak Ridge on Saturday afternoon.