The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Roy Stephen Wingate, 89, of Orange passed away on Sunday, Jan. 12, at his residence.

He was born in Orange, on May 21, 1924 to Claude Lewis Wingate and Lumea Bonin Wingate. Roy graduated from Orange High School in 1941 and then served his country in the US Army during World War II in Europe in ordnance. He then worked in his family’s meat market before going on to earn a BA degree in Accounting from the University of Colorado, and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas. After graduation, Roy returned to Orange to practice law and lived there the rest of his life.

Roy was a lawyer and an avid community leader. He served as a former Orange County District Attorney, a past president of the Lion’s Club, and a past President of Orange County Economic Development for the Port of Orange. He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Bar Association, and Trial Lawyers of the United States, among many others. After leaving private practice, Roy went on to work as a mediator and was a board member for the Stark Foundation and recently was given the title of Board Member Emeritus.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, three brothers, and his late wife Rosemary Wallace Wingate.

Roy is survived by his wife of 42 years, Crystal Wingate of Orange; his son Chuck Wingate and wife Alyson Clark of Los Alamos, NM; son Thomas Garcia and wife Beth of Keller; son Gene Garcia and wife Aey of Thailand; daughter Julie Garcia of Houston; daughter Michelle Garcia and partner Harold Gunderson of Chicago; brother Nick Wingate of Orange; and sister Edee Pratt of Orange. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Roy’s funeral will be held on Friday, Jan. 17, at 2:00 pm, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 16 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Truman Smith Children’s Care Center, P.O. Box 1468, Gladewater, TX 75647.