Roy Lee Waits

Roy Lee Waits, age 76, of Carthage, Texas, passed away Tuesday morning, September 1, 2026, at his home. He was born March 22, 1950, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to the late Elroy and Myrtle Lucille Baxter Waits. Roy graduated from Carthage High School with the class of 1968. Roy married Linda Gail Robinett on May 14, 1970, in Carthage, and they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage together. Early in his working career, Roy worked as a highway patrolman, heavy equipment operator, and pastor. He spent the remainder of his career with Gulf South Pipeline Company before retiring.

Roy was a faithful and devoted member of Carthage Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and faithfully served the Lord wherever he was needed. His faith was an important part of his life, and he will be remembered for his devotion to his church, his family, and those around him. Roy was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Sharon Morris and Walta Nell Taylor; and brothers, Jimmy Waits and John Ed Taylor.

He is survived by his wife, Gail Waits; children, Roy Waits, Jr., Daniel Waits, and Karen Waits Lawson and husband Dan; grandchildren, Elissa Crow, Shawn Lawson, Dylan Lawson, and Tyler Lawson; and siblings, Thomas Allen Waits and wife Mary, Janice Dixon, and Susie Ingalls and husband Doug. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends and church family also survive.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Michael Littleton officiating. Interment will follow in Clayton Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Deacon Body of Carthage Missionary Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to Carthage Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 25, Carthage, TX 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.