Teenager Dies in Rollover Accident
Teenager Dies in Rollover Accident Save Email Print
McGayhesville, Va.
Posted: 5:41 AM Nov 7, 2008
 Last Updated: 5:22 PM Nov 7, 2008
 Reporter: Haley Harrison/Michael Hyland
Email Address: haley.harrison@whsv.com & michael.hyland@whsv.com
79 comments

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A junior at Spotswood High School died in a car accident Thursday night.

It happened in the 1200 block of Island Ford Road near Elkton.

Police says 17-year-old Roy Smith III veered off the road, flipped two or three times and landed in the driveway of a home.

Smith was ejected from the vehicle. He was not wearing a seat belt.

Police say alcohol and speed were not factors in the crash, but the fog may have been.

Additional counselors are at Spotswood High School Friday to help students cope with this loss.

According his MySpace page, Smith was also a firefighter for the volunteer fire companies in McGayhesville and Shenandoah. Also on the page, he says his dream was to work for the New York Fire Department.
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Posted by: Sara on Nov 13, 2008 at 08:17 PM
i didnt know Roy a lot, but i did know him enough to know what a great person he was. he was always so nice and willing to help anyone out however he could. he always had a smile that made his entire face glow and it always made my day a little better seeing him so happy. im so honored to have known him and im thankful for that. he's so much more than a hero and he touched countless lives by just doing what he loved to do. he's gone but will never be forgotten. his memory will live on in many peoples lives. rest in peace FF smith.
Posted by: jonathan aka ittle bubba & Randy aka bubba Location: Spotswood on Nov 13, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Roy! I want to be like you. You are my idol. I whish You were still here and you could teach me more things, but you cant do that because god called you. I will take care of your little sister, mom, and family like you did! I will miss you FF smith!
Posted by: Kim Location: Bridgewater on Nov 12, 2008 at 05:24 PM
I just wanted to say thank you to all the residents in Elkton for showing such great respect on Tuesday during the Funeral procession for Roy Dale Smith. Seeing people come out of their houses and pulling over getting out of their car with their hand over their chest was a wonderful site to see and showed a great deal of respect,
Posted by: samantha Location: shenandoah on Nov 12, 2008 at 03:17 PM
everyone out here today should take time out of your busy life and find a firefighter and tell them what a hero they are, b/c when that whistle blows they get up and out of bed to go and help those in their time of need without thinking of their own safety. just like Roy was doing that friday morning, he was trying to make a difference and help his man. God Bless Roy and everyone who loved him
Posted by: Chelsea Location: Shenandoah on Nov 11, 2008 at 10:34 PM
First I would like to say that the Smith family are in our prayers.. Second I would like to comment to Lisa and Susan- To judge this boy for only being 17, out at 1:00 a.m and not wearing a seat belt- who are you to judge? How many boys do you know that would want to take their time at 17 to help others in need instead of being a kid riding around town or getting into trouble? You had a young man that wanted to follow in his fathers footsteps and the other brothers that he had become such good friends with, to me that is a true HERO... What would you rather have a YOUNG firefighter- who all he wanted to do was help others in need or would you rather have a 17 year old out causing trouble? Me personally I am thankful for all the young adults that take the time to serve Company 70,Company 80 and all the many more fire departments, without them we would not have a next generation. ROY YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO TO US!!!!
Posted by: Tina Location: Shenandoah on Nov 11, 2008 at 09:40 PM
To Crystal, Roy & Family Our hearts go out to you all, we don't know what its like til we face it ourselves, no words can help, other than to be here for you. The only one that can comfort you if Jesus, keep your faith in him, he will give you all strength each day. And for LISA and SUSAN...you need to know the family and the story before you make your uncalled for comments. Guess if your house is on fire and there were only teengers to come help, you would turn them away and tell them to back home for its too late to be out, yeah right!!! He wasn't out there causing trouble or drinking and driving, he was out to help someone in need. Better watch what you say, it might come back on you. I think you both owe the family a BIG APOLOGY, don't you think???? I know this family and they are good people, and he was a fine young man. Chad and Tina Brown
Posted by: Amy Smiley Location: Harrisonburg on Nov 11, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Roy, you will never be forgotten .. we all love you n miss you.. The Smiths you are in my prayers n thoughts. Roy you always made a smile on my face.. I love you n miss you so much.
Posted by: Felisha Location: Elkton on Nov 11, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Roy was a very nice guy and respectful. I have known Roy since Elementry school. I miss him so much and I know he is in a better place. Also it doesn't matter how old or young u r God is goin to take u when he thinks u r good and ready!!! Roy u will be missed and remember u will always be in my thoughts and prayers. :) love ya buddy, Love Felisha. <3
Posted by: Kimi Ritchie Location: Elkton on Nov 11, 2008 at 11:11 AM
I know i have posted one comment but there is so much to say about Roy. He was a GREAT person. He was like the brother i never had and never will. Roy and i were together alot. He would call me to see how things were going and we would talk for a little. Even with me moving, me and roy were still close. If we were not on the phone texting each other, i'd show up to his work and he would stand there and talk to me for a few minutes. He was a great person and had some much in life yet to come. He was SO excited about being a FF and he would always tell me how good it felt to help someone else. Roy will be missed by many people. My prayers will go out to the family and FFs...
Posted by: PROUD OF LITTLE ROY Location: Elkton on Nov 11, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Lisa, Susan & all Maturity is not only measured in years. Do you think of others before yourself? Do you consider the harm your words cause before you speak (or type)? Are you willing to drop what you are doing to help a stranger? When there is hard work to be done do you cheerfuly help? Do you take responsibility for your actions? You have proven you can't say yes to the 1st two questions. I will cherish ever memory he has left behind. Little Roy you will be missed & the world a dimmer place because of your passing. God Bless your family & friends.
Posted by: Bubba Location: Elkton on Nov 10, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Roy was my friend, brother, and so much more. I just wish that maybe one day we could be together again. I can remember when I first met you. You were all smiles and the first thing that you said to me befor you even said hi was I am a FF. I thought that that was cool and we have been friends every sence. I and the rest of Roys family and friends will miss him deeply. The McGaheysville Vol. Fire 80 will also have to cope with the loss of one of their best members.. Roy Dale Smith. All of Spotswood sends their thoughts and prayers to Roys family and friends. We will miss you Roy!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Dayton on Nov 10, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Roy I am sorry to hear of your loss there are know words that be said right now that can make a difference just know that there are people who are here for you. God bless and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by: Drenna on Nov 10, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Roy was a true hero. He had a passion for helping people even if it was just making them laugh when they were having a bad day. Lets keep that in mind while we all try to overcome this tragic event. Only the good die young! My thoughts & prayers are with his family, friends, & MVFC.
Posted by: melissa Location: elkton on Nov 10, 2008 at 11:12 AM
If this was my son who was trying to run a call for the fire department and trying to save someones life or home I would be very proud of him, I know he didn't wear his seatbelt but that only shows he was trying to rush and help someone in need and that is a true HERO! My prayers go out to his family and friends, I know this has to be very hard may god be with you through this tragedy.
Posted by: Crystal Fitzwater Location: Harrisonburg on Nov 10, 2008 at 09:17 AM
to lisa and susan you didnt know roy and he was out trying to help another person. he cared about everyone and he always put other people first. He was a great gut as a co worker and friend. he will be missed. I love you roy.
Posted by: Alyssa Wine Location: Clover Hill on Nov 9, 2008 at 11:58 PM
To Susan and Lisa...I think you should be ashamed of yourselves... This young man was out trying to save someone elses life when his was taken...Maybe you should take into account that "what if it was your house that was on fire?" Or what if that was your family member having that heart attack! Would you want the person saving your life or property to stand back and say "oh wait a minute..Im too young, so I cant go out to save this person" Then you would be blaming that person for NOT helping. Maybe next time you should think before you open your mouth...If you are even capable of doing that!!
Posted by: eric Location: maryland on Nov 9, 2008 at 05:01 PM
i had the honor of being a good friends of roys at camp i saw a bulliten saying bad news for MABC and when i saw his name my stomach was in my mouth. i will never forget him all the years i saw him in camp will be missed he will be missed by many...................
Posted by: toby Location: timberville on Nov 8, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Susan: The honorable thing yo do at this point is to apologize. It's the LEAST you could do.
Posted by: Stu Location: Philladelphia on Nov 8, 2008 at 07:42 PM
I was shocked and saddened to hear the news that Roy died. I had the good fortune of being one of Roy's counselors at Burn Camp when he was younger and got to know him over the following years. Roy is one of the best people I have ever met in my life (regardless of age) and I told him that every time I saw him. He had a heart of gold, an amazingly positive attitude, and was always kind to others. Roy was quality and character and you felt good just being in his presence. I can only hope that my children will have the type of qualities that he had. I haven't seen him in a few years and did not know that he became a firefighter. That doesn't surprise me at all, because that type of selflessness and compassion was evident in him when he was just a boy. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I can only imagine how they feel over losing someone as special as Roy. He will not be forgotten by those who knew him and my prayers are with you in this difficult time. God bless you and your family, Roy. Stu
Posted by: greg seal Location: shenanodah on Nov 8, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Roy was not only a member of McGayhesville Fire Co. but also a junior member at Shenandoah Vol. Fire co., along with his dad and uncle. He was a dedicated young man. We will miss him dearly. My prayers go out to Roy Jr. and his wife and members of Co. 70 & Co. 80.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 8, 2008 at 01:51 PM
We should not be placing blame on anyone. God is the only one who calls us home and for what reason we may never know. My heart goes out to the friends and family involved with this young man. May he be in a better place. No more hurt, pain, or suffering. I think we need to all turn and pray for each other as we are all going through something or another and prayer is the best way.
Posted by: Roy Smith, Jr Location: Elkton on Nov 8, 2008 at 09:11 AM
I am reading all of your comments. It fills my heart with joy that Little Roy can mean so much to so many people. All Roy ever wanted was to be a FF. He was proud to be an "east end boy". He was a teenager whom knew what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. He wanted to join the service and serve his country besides his county. Roy, had his problems with me, but that never stopped him from following in my footsteps. Parents need to hold their children a little tighter today, because I no longer have a child to hold, tell that I Love him, or even argue with. Life is too short to take things for granted, and we are not guaranteed the next minute with our kids. Roy, I wish you were here to just talk to one more time. Always know that even through the differences, I Love You with all my heart and nothing or No One will ever change that. I am very proud of the young man you were and the man you was going to be.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 8, 2008 at 07:12 AM
As a mother, I cannot even imagine what Roy's parents and family are going through. Roy left an impact on everyones life that he came in contact with. He will surely be missed. And to the ones who had the negative remarks, before you lay the blame on anyone, you need to get the facts on why Roy was out and what he was doing. He wasn't some careless teenager out having a good time, but trying to help someone else. Before you lay blame you need to Thank God for all of the other volunteer fire fighter and rescue volunteers who spend countless hours to help others. Not everyone will give their time at any time, much less to get out of bed at 1am to go help someone else. And if you have children, Thank God that you can still hug and talk to them today. Roys family will be in my prayers.
Posted by: lori Location: elkton on Nov 8, 2008 at 06:59 AM
I cant believe the pain the Smith family, as well as Roys friends, must be going through. Roy obviously touched many lives in the 17yrs he was here on this earth. How proud his mother must be to know her son was so well thought of and loved by so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Ms. Smith, especially as a mother. Your pain must be immeasurable. Just take comfort in knowing your surrounded by friends, family and a community that will be here for you in the days ahead. May GOD give you the strength you need to get through it all. Take comfort in knowing that your son was doing something he was obviously so passionate about. To those who are questioning 'why' and who's at fault, dont! This is neither the time or place to question his actions or those of his family. Have some compassion and worry about what goes on in your own house.
Posted by: grieving friend on Nov 8, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Its really sad that people are grieving the loss of such a wonderful person and yet they are having to read such rude comments from a complete stranger. Susan all I can say is you have NO heart! If there would ever be a time you would need emergency assistance a boy just like Roy I'm sure would be right there to help. Your selfish comments have really hurt many people and I think you owe an apology to family & friends. We don't need to deal with the loss along with your rudeness. If you have something rude to say about anything else I think you had better take it elsewhere! My condolences to Roy's family, friends, and members of company 80! Roy you will be greatly missed!
Posted by: Rob Brown Location: Mcgaheysville on Nov 7, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Roy was one of my favorite people at the firehouse.He was helping me with Fire 1 and we always had a good time at MVFC n the stuff we did together.Yea people gave him a hard time but it was brotherly kinda love thats what makes the firehouse the firehouse.Im going to miss all the nights we had at the firehouse picking on each other and tearing stuff up.He had great potenial and dedication.Roy died doing something he loved to do and we honor him by getting on the truck and responding again.Im sure I knew what he was thinking as he drove down the road that night.N yea it was 1am but thats wat firefighters do get up and help someone they dont even know. Honor Award goes out to FF Roy Smith MVFC Company 80
Posted by: Cori Monger Location: McGaheysville on Nov 7, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Roy always had a way of making anyone smile, he was the person to turn to when you were having a bad day. I will never forget the wonderful moments that I got to share with him this past summer while I was back home from college. I will forever miss his bright smile in the lounge at the station when I walk in. May you rest in peace FF Roy Smith. -- My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Posted by: Michael Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Susan I believe you need to step back & give your condolences & not critisize the parents of this young man. What would you do if you were in need for help & the person coming to help you lost their life along the way. It could have happened to anyone. My condolences go out to the family & MVFC.
Posted by: Stephen Location: Grottoes on Nov 7, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Have some compassion, people! It is SO wrong of you to be talking about seat belts and inattentive parents. All of your thoughts should be directed toward the grieving families and friends of this young man...not wasted spent trying to place blame.
Posted by: Angela Location: Mathias, wv on Nov 7, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Roy will be missed by his coworkers at Walmart. I am praying hard for his mother Crystal, she is taking it so hard! I want her to know Roy loved her with all his heart. She must believe that she will see him again oneday. Love you Crystal
Posted by: Tim Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 10:19 PM
I didn't know Roy that good. But I did eat lunch with him. He was a very nice and kind person. Every time that you saw Roy, you saw a fire-fighter t-shirt on him. I hope that maybe this will make us think twice about not wearing a seat belt again. My prayers goes out to his friends and family. And everyone that cared and loved Roy. At least Roy died, doing something that he loved to do!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: hburg on Nov 7, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Susan Location: Verona... just so you know, Rpy was responding to a firefighter call at that time. so please read all the story first before you begin asking stupid questions and trying to blame his paretns!!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Luray on Nov 7, 2008 at 10:09 PM
To Lisa and Susan, Please don't place blame on his age or why he was out at 1:00am. I think it is clear that he was out at 1:00am answering an emergency call. To be 17 years of age and wanting to help others is a rareity these days. He was not out cruising or hot roding, he was going to help someone else in need. Once you get that in your blood, it is hard to turn the other cheek. Although he wasn't wearing a seatbelt, the outcome could have been the same. I'm a firm believer that when it is your time to go, it's your time to go. Although he never made it to the scene, he will remain a hero in many ways. How many teenagers do you know of that would get up in the middle of the night to go help someone else in need, walking into an unknown situation. I don't know Roy or his family, but I am a Volunteer Fireman that knows exactly what Roy was probably thinking last night. He was thinking, what can I do to help someone else?
Posted by: coty dean Location: elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 08:58 PM
roy i will always miss you. me and you were good buddys.just yesterday we were jokeing and haven fun.you have taught me how to help people and made me relize what all i take for granite. ill see you when i get to the other side. love coty
Posted by: Lisa Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 08:41 PM
To all of you wondering why he was out so late maybe you should get your facts straight. He was out because he was answering a call with McGayesville Fire Department where he was a fire fighter. Roy was a good kid and a polite person. So maybe you should know the facts before you judge. My heart goes out the family and may you rest in peace roy
Posted by: Toby Location: Timberville on Nov 7, 2008 at 08:22 PM
To Susan in Verona: How completely tactless and cold of you to make such comments. You should be ashamed of yourself...but you probably aren't. Pathetic! Prayers and strength to Roy's family and friends.
Posted by: Michael on Nov 7, 2008 at 08:16 PM
I did not know Roy, but he was a firefighter, making him a brother to me and thousands of others. My heart goes out to his family and friends. And a reponse to Lisa and Susan...the REASON he was out at 1am on a schoolnight was to serve and protect his community. Next time you are involved in an accident or your house catches fire...be greatful people like him are coming!!!
Posted by: chris Phibbs Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 07:50 PM
I just wanted to say that Roy will always be remembered and never forgotten. As an elkton fire fighter myself, i know its a hard tragedy to deal with a lose of a fellow member. He will always Be in our heart and prayers, and when that bell rings and we get on that truck he will be right along with us in our hearts as if he never left at all.
Posted by: anonymous on Nov 7, 2008 at 07:27 PM
To Lisa and Susan, please know that this young boy was out at that time of night because he was responding to a fire alarm. He was on his way to fight a fire. he wasnt out doing something wreckless or dangerous> he was on his way to risk his life for others. this is what he loved doing. rest in peace young Roy Smith> My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family and all your brothers at the Macgayesville Volunteer Fire Dept. .
Posted by: Lisa Location: Rileyville on Nov 7, 2008 at 06:57 PM
My heart goes out to his family. It saddens and sickens me to hear of a someone dying at such a young age and to think it could have been prevented. I'm with Susan on this. A child should not have been out at that time of night in the first place, and second, he should have had a seatbelt on and maybe he'd still be alive. I'm all for upping the driving age to 18 or even 21. 16 is too young an age for our children to be behind the wheel.
Posted by: Amy Baker Location: Lacey Spring on Nov 7, 2008 at 06:46 PM
I remember Roy as an eager first grader, ready to learn to read. That was my last year of teaching at EES. He was one of the most polite, friendly, hard working young students I've ever known. I say him years later and was so proud to see that he was growing into a respectful, smart young man. My heart is breaking for his mother, Crystal, and the rest of his family. You and all of Roy's friends are in my prayers.
Posted by: Anonomys Location: McGaheysville on Nov 7, 2008 at 06:22 PM
I'm going to miss Roy. He was like the brother i never had. Hes been my best friend since preschool and I am in shock that this has happened to one of my firefighting buddies. I loved Roy and always will. Roy was a good person and i hope everyone knows that. Ill pray for his family and miss him.
Posted by: Derek Location: Harrisonburg on Nov 7, 2008 at 06:21 PM
I knew Roy from the firehouse. He was always willing to help people out. He is a great guy and im going to miss seeing him around. His family is in our hearts and prayers
Posted by: Mark & Karen & Family Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 06:19 PM
We have known & loved Little Roy & His family since he was six. He had a way of lighting up your life by just being there. Anyone would be proud to have him as a son. He had hopes & ambitions, He was smart & well mannered. His death is a great loss not only for his family but for the whole world. We love all of you & we will do anything we can to help ease the pain. God Bless You All.
Posted by: Susan Location: Verona on Nov 7, 2008 at 06:16 PM
In this day and age when we as parents have been preaching forever about safety of our kids, why is a 17 year old driving at 1 am on a school night, without a seatbelt on? where are his parents? and what was he doing? Wake up and pay attention kios, this could be you. Don't let this young man leave this life without teaching you all that life is not a given, and you need to be careful!
Posted by: Emma Location: Penn Laird on Nov 7, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Roy was the type of guy that it didn't matter what he was doing if you needed help he would drop what he was doing to help. If you were upset or in a bad mood he knew just what to say to make everything better. I have known Roy for a long time, we were in FFA together. He gave his life to help others. He was kind,and he stood out from other guys. Roy we love you and will miss you. RIP.
Posted by: RUTH JARRELLS Location: ELKTON on Nov 7, 2008 at 05:38 PM
ROY was the most kindest, gentle, mannerly,guy i think i every knew and a great FISHING BUDDY to.
Posted by: john hall Location: rawley pike on Nov 7, 2008 at 05:17 PM
i work at walmart with roy he was a good friend.he will be miss rest in peace you will be miss
Posted by: Hannah Location: Harrisonburg on Nov 7, 2008 at 04:39 PM
As a senior at Spotswood, I've been there through several absolutely tragic student deaths, but I think this one has affected us in a completely different way. Roy was an exceptional person, always reaching out to other people, completely willing to offer a helping hand. We will miss you, Roy. I hope you're still able to put out fires wherever you are now. Rest in peace.
Posted by: Cassie Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Roy was one of the sweetest guys ive met. He could always put a smile on your face, or bring you up when you were feeling down. He knew what he wanted with life, and would do anything to make it come true. He will never be forgotten. -love cassie.
Posted by: Destiny Location: McGaheysville on Nov 7, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Roy was a great person to everyone. He will forever be in my heart and I knw I can say that for everyone else. Roy will always be missed and this will always be remembered. 11-7-08 R.I.P
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Roy was loved by everyone. Today at school, everyone was silent. It brought tears to many peoples eyes. His family is is our prayers.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Harrisonburg, SHS on Nov 7, 2008 at 03:40 PM
I didnt know Roy, but i go to Spotswood and heard about this horrible accident this morning. So many people were crying for you Roy. You are missed by many and will never be forgotten. May angels lead you in and may you rest in peace. We are all praying for you down here. All of SHS is thinking of you. <3 Roy's family and friends are in my prayers.
Posted by: Robert Location: Weyers Cave on Nov 7, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Such a tragic waste of life. To lose a guardian of not only one, but two communities to something as simple as an unbuckled seat-belt. The lesson - Even heroes need to practice safety first.
Posted by: Tammy Location: elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 02:37 PM
TO THE FAMILY OF ROY SMITH,THIS A HARD TIME BUT WE MUST REMEMBER HE OUR ANGEL NOW AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US.
Posted by: Vanessa Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Roy was a really goood firend he knew when to put a smile on your face when you where down. Roy was a really close firend of mine and my brothers NathanM. The way I will remember Roy cause he was a really good firend. When you were down he would make you laugh or crack up a joke. I will alaways remember him for what he did and what he stood for.Love him alawys!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will miss You soooo much!
Posted by: Kelly Shifflett Location: ELKTON on Nov 7, 2008 at 01:54 PM
I will always miss you and you meant so much to me.. i loved you and i will always remember you love kelly
Posted by: Jackie Location: Amherst on Nov 7, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Roy was a great person. I didnt know him very well except from relay. He will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to his mother and baby sister.
Posted by: Megan Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 01:39 PM
I've known Roy my entire life; he is my cousin and I can't believe he's really gone. I just talked to him yesterday. I remember when he was to shy to talk to a girl that he liked he would always come to me and either ask me to talk to her or write her a letter from him so it would be better. Roy was the kind of person that would do anything to help someone even when it ment him giving up his time and effort. I know that whenever I needed someone there to listen to me he wouldn't hesitate. He was like the big brother I never had to look out for me. Everytime I dated someone he wanted them to be aproved by him so they were good enough for me. He is greatly missed my many. I love you...
Posted by: whitney shifflett on Nov 7, 2008 at 01:28 PM
roy was a good person he always knew how to make me smile. Even when we weren't dating we were really good friends. I will always remember him and what he stood for. love him always!!!!!
Posted by: annette & John Location: stanley on Nov 7, 2008 at 01:26 PM
This was a GREAT Person to be around. He had a HEART of gold. MISSED well that is a under statement. He always make you smile no matter what you was going thou. He had a Smile Big as the MOON just to look at him made you smile. Roy rest in peace. And will be always MISSED by everyone. Prayers are with the Framily. Crystal,Roy,Sarah,Calvin,Missy,Ann And the REST of the Family....
Posted by: heather Location: harrisonburg on Nov 7, 2008 at 01:18 PM
It is so hard to believe and just so shocking! Roy was an amazing person and a great friend! My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all that know him. i love you and miss you roy.
Posted by: Amy Location: harrisonburg on Nov 7, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Roy, was a good guy and there for whoever needed him.. Roy enjoy the firefighings alot.. he spents alot of his time there or at work at wal-mart on 42. He will be miss and loved
Posted by: Jeremy Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 12:58 PM
man i didn't no you real well but i always thought you wanted to do something with your life. We all will miss you! Love you like a brother. See ya.
Posted by: Aaron Location: Harrisonburg on Nov 7, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Roy was a great person and will be missed very much by his friends and family. What I knew of him, he was an awesome kid and a really great son. I my love and thoughts are with his mother at this time.
Posted by: Ashley on Nov 7, 2008 at 12:37 PM
I did not personally know Roy, but am a good friend of his cousins. It is so sad to see a life taken at such a young age. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of need. “To die is poignantly bitter, but the idea of having to die without having lived is unbearable”
Posted by: randy Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Roy was like my little brother i was always at his house we would stay there and watch his little sister. He loved his little sister a lot. Roy and I was always together. It was just last night around 10 i was with him laughing and joking around I went home and woke up and he wasnt there. He is loved and miss by some many people see you soon Roy. Love Randy
Posted by: Blessed on Nov 7, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Its very sad to hear that such a young man who was going to help others doing good things with his life is taken away in an instant. Roy was a great person always knew how to make you laugh when you were having a bad day. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. The McGaheysville Fire Dept will greatly miss him and the services he contributed to the community!
Posted by: Jennifer Moubray on Nov 7, 2008 at 12:17 PM
(This is a change to the last post from me) What pain we are in right now. I cannot imagine why something like this needed to happen. I know God has a plan for everything and we aren't supposed to question him .... but how can we not. Roy was something special. He had a smile that could light up a room. Anytime I was in a bad mood Roy was there at the station to cheer me up and make me laugh. I remember him joining as the shy, quiet kid and how amazing was his transformation. The Roy I will remember now was still polite but had come out of his shell and made so many friends. He will be so greatly missed by all of us. We must remember he is in a better place, a place where there is no pain or sadness but instead a place of eternal rest. May you rest in peace FF Roy Smith. And may we, as his friends carry his memory close to our hearts.
Posted by: john hall Location: hinton on Nov 7, 2008 at 12:06 PM
I didnt know ray long but hey was one person you will never forget .He was a good friand Iwas honrd to work with him.an he will be always be in are harts
Posted by: Alyssa Location: Clover Hill on Nov 7, 2008 at 12:01 PM
RIP FF Smith. You will be missed as a friend, co-worker and fellow firefighter. Love you and miss you already!
Posted by: Candy Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I used to be Roy's bus driver in his elem. years...He was a very quiet and good boy then and always had a smile on his face. I'm now driving for SHS/MMS and see Roy from time to time walking to the school building always with his fire-fighter t-shirt on and a smile:). He sure has had some tragic in his life!!It's a shame that this had to happen to a good person such as Roy...God is receiving a Good Angel I believe...May our prayers be with the Smith family. With Deepest Sympathy Candy Breeen
Posted by: Jennifer Moubray Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Roy was one of those people who made the day brighter just by being around. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met and will be greatly missed at McGaheysville Fire Dept. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Posted by: Former Neighbor on Nov 7, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Roy and my son have been very close friends for years. My son was so upset to hear about the loss of his friend today. I praise his contributions as a fire fighter and am so sad to see such an unselfish life cut so short. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends. Rest in peace Roy.
Posted by: Cheryl Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 11:12 AM
I have a daughter at Spotswood High. I can not even imagine the pain the family of Roy Smith is going through. My prayers are with all of his family and friends.
Posted by: LISA Location: ELKTON on Nov 7, 2008 at 10:57 AM
ROY WAS ALWAYS POLITE AND ALWAYS HAD A SMILE.. HE WAS IN SAME CLASS AS MY SON AT SPOTSWOOD. WHEN ROY WAS YOUNGER MY HUSBAND COACHED ROY IN BASEBALL. I WILL KEEP HIS MOM & DAD IN PRAYER AND THE REST OF HIS FAMILY.
Posted by: Kimi Location: Elkton on Nov 7, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Roy was a great perosn. He was always able to get a smile on anyone's face if they were upset. Roy will be missed by many people. Roy's family will be in my prayers.
Posted by: Eugene Shifflett on Nov 7, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Roy will be missed by alot of people .I really enjoyed working with him on ems/fire calls.Roy was nice and always wanting to give you a extra hand in any call we was on.He will be missed and prayers for the family and the fire dept/and the rescue squad
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 7, 2008 at 09:52 AM
There is no greater love than that of a man willing to lay down his life for a person he doesn't even know. You are going to be missed greatly. Rest in Peace FF Smith
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