Roy Ernest Wilder, 94

Published 2:35 pm Monday, May 5, 2025

Roy Ernest Wilder – age 94 of Middlesboro, KY, lovingly known as Roy, Dad and Pawpaw, passed peacefully on May 1st, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of a most compassionate and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. Born in Fonde, KY, Roy served his country honorably in the United States Navy, embodying the values of discipline and dedication throughout his life. Following his military service, he spent much of his career towards bettering his community through his construction and real estate endeavors, as well as serving on the Middlesboro City Council. A devoted man of faith, Roy served faithfully as a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Middlesboro, always ready with a helping hand and a kind word for those in need. Above all, he found his greatest joy in being a loving father to his six children and a devoted husband to his wife of 71 years-bonds that sustained him until his final day. Roy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joann Wilder; his parents, James Willis Wilder and Amanda Alice Pack; and his siblings Evelyn Longsworth, Louise Brittain, Delphia Gibson, and Willard “Bill” Young. Roy is survived by his six children, Tony (Melissa) Wilder, Mike (Kathy) Wilder, Mark (Trissa) Wilder, Larry Wilder, Laurie Wilder Sigmon, and Susie (Steve) Wilder Maxwell; his loving grandchildren Bradley (Katie) Wilder, Lindsey (Alex) Wilder Nieuwland, Matthew (Pamela) Sigmon, Katie (Drew) Wilder Landgrave, Jonathan (Patrick) Ward, Amanda (Stephanie) Wilder, Samuel Maxwell, Olivia Maxwell, Cameron (Carley) Wilder, Madeline Maxwell; his great-grandchildren, Georgia Wilder, Makenna Landgrave, Allie Landgrave, Xander Nieuwland, Della Wilder, Ellie Sigmon, and Zeke Nieuwland; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Roy always enjoyed wearing many hats and had the stories to prove it. We take great comfort in knowing he is now living in eternity with his darling wife, as he lovingly referred to her. His kindness, sense of humor, and sharp mind will be missed by all who were blessed to know him. The family will receive friends 12:00-1:00 PM on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Bridges Funeral Home with the funeral service at 1:00 PM officiated by Karen Greene Blondell followed by a procession to Greenwood Cemetery for a 3:00 PM interment. Pallbearers: Matthew Sigmon, Samuel Maxwell, Alex Nieuwland, Cameron Wilder, Drew Landgrave, and Bradley Wilder. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 330729, Nashville, TN 37203. Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com Roy Ernest Wilder 1930-2025