Richard L. Roy was born in San Francisco on October 15, 1949, to Richard and Jacquelin Roy. He was joined in the family by his brother Ronald and sisters Regeanne, Yvette and Yvonne. Richard ( Jr.) was raised and educated in San Francisco and Santa Cruz. He attended Santa Cruz High School and was a member of the graduating class of 1967.

In 1968 Richard Roy joined the US Air Force and probably received his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, followed by additional training at other Air Force facilities. During this period, he married Rosalinda; later the couple established their residence in Santa Cruz. Airman Roy was subsequently promoted to sergeant and assigned to the US Air Force Europe.

While serving in Holland in 1970, Sergeant Richard L. Roy was diagnosed with an undisclosed illness or condition that resulted in his death on March 3, 1970. His remains were returned to Santa Cruz and following a funeral on March 12, 1970, were interred in Oakwood Memorial Park.

(SCSn March 10, 1970 18:6, Oakwood MP headstone)