William Roy Choate Jr.

Roy said that because of the heat he was born under a shade tree in Sevier County, Township of Bear Creek, Arkansas, on July 1, 1925. He passed away on May 20, 2023, in Montgomery County, Texas. Shortly after Roy’s birth his family moved back to Texas where his dad joined Humble Oil (now EXXON MOBIL) and became a boomer going from oil field to oil field across Texas. Roy lived in Wink, Luling, Raccoon Bend, Conroe, and during the oil boom of 1933, his family settled in Tomball, Texas. In 1943, while still in high school, Roy enlisted in the US Navy without the knowledge or consent of his parents. He was stationed on the USS Duncan in the Pacific. He graduated from Tomball High School in 1944 in absentia because he was already in the Pacific.

Roy was a second-generation oil man with oil running through his veins. After WWII Roy worked for Humble Oil, Thomas & Meadows which became Movible Oil, and UNOCAL. After retiring at age 61 from UNOCAL, Roy continued consulting for them. He drilled on land and offshore for oil throughout the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast living over 40 years in South Louisiana.

Roy loved traveling in his motorhomes. He and wife Edie traveled extensively across the United States, Canada, and Mexico for six months a year making friends wherever they went. If Roy was your friend, you had a friend for life.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents William Roy Choate, Sr. and Alliene Mullins Choate; his sisters Bennie Choate Coe (Arvard) and Omie Choate Swann (Howard). He is also preceded in death by Shirley Kleb his first and fourth wife and mother of his children; second wife E.V. Velcich; third wife Mary Meadows; and fifth wife Edie Neely Davis.

Surviving Roy are his children Denise Choate de los Santos (David) of Magnolia, TX and Cheryl Choate Pickett (Gary) of Georgetown, TX; his grandchildren Reece Pickett of Dallas, TX and Colin Pickett of Georgetown, TX; his great grandson Liam Pickett of Georgetown, TX; his step grandchildren Mick de los Santos, Lisa de los Santos Martin, Tammy de los Santos Black, and Rick de los Santos. Also surviving Roy is his stepdaughter Petey Gandee (Tracy) of Royse City, TX; step grandchildren Carrie Hanna (Carl) and Michael Taylor (Michelle); step great grandchildren Taylor and Colton Hanna and Ellison and Emery Taylor. Also surviving Roy are beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear lifelong friends.

Until a month before his death, Roy enjoyed life to the fullest with family and friends.

He lived his life well. No road was left untraveled.

Roy will have a military burial with honors on Monday, June 12th at 11:30 a.m. at Houston National Cemetery located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/houston-cremation for the Choate Jr. family.