November 9, 2007

Trinity University is deeply saddened to announce the death of Edward C. (Ed) Roy Jr., a long-time administrator and geosciences professor who devoted 39 years to the University before retiring in 2005. Known as a gifted teacher with an ability to convey his love for earth sciences, he was respected and admired by many students and inspired many of them to pursue careers in the field of geosciences. He died Friday, Nov. 9.

Although Dr. Roy retired two years ago as the Pyron Distinguished Professor of Geosciences, he remained on campus on a part-time basis counseling education students who wanted to teach science.  

Dr. Roy had earned high praise and honors from professional organizations to which he belonged and had served in leadership positions. Those groups included the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Geological Society of America, South Texas Geological Society, and the Gulf Coast Association. When presenting an award from the American Geological Institute in 2003, the organization’s executives lauded Dr. Roy’s contributions to the field of geosciences as “invaluable.”

Dr. Roy received a bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in the geology field from The Ohio State University and worked at Shell Oil Company upon graduation. He came to Trinity in 1966 as an assistant professor of geology and quickly rose through the academic ranks. At Trinity, he had been vice president for academic affairs; dean of the division of sciences, mathematics, and engineering; and chair of the geology department. He also accepted an appointment by the Texas Education Agency as chairman of the Texas Earth Science Task Force to assess earth science as a core high school course.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; three children; a sister; four grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends, students, and colleagues.

Visitation will begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, and a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. at Porter Loring North Chapel, 2102 N. Loop 1604 East. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 10703 Wurzbach Road. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edward C. Roy Jr. Geosciences Endowment at Trinity University.