Leroy E. "Roy" McDermott's Obituary
Leroy (Roy) E. McDermott passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in his Fort Myers home on December 30, 2025. Roy was 90 years old.
Roy was born in Gilman, Illinois, on May 14, 1935 to Edward (Irish) and Florence McDermott and was raised in Piper City, Il. He graduated from Piper City High School in 1953 and received a basketball scholarship from the University of Michigan. He also attended the University of Illinois before receiving his bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Master of Science in Education from the Illinois State University.
After graduation, Roy embarked on a career in education, starting as teacher, coach and principal at Stanford High School in Illinois. Subsequently, he assumed the role as the Superintendent of Hittle Township schools. Roy relocated to Springfield, Illinois, where he held the position as the Assistant Superintendent of Vocational Schools for the Illinois State Board of Education. Years later, he was appointed as the Director of Non-Public School Approval for the Illinois State Board of Education. Roy received numerous accolades before retiring in 1990.
Roy married Elaine Hubly in Chatsworth, Illinois, on June 22,1957, and raised 2 children, Brian McDermott who resides in Tampa, Florida, and Annette McDermott Sachs who lives in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Roy loved "puttering" around the house and yard, golfing and working on many home improvement projects on his and his children's homes with his assistant and brother-in-law, Jim Hallam. Roy was a talented carpenter and enjoyed boating, being a member of the Island Bay Yacht Club, and river trips and vacations with the Knox Knoll Fleet and friends.
Roy and Elaine retired to Fort Myers and were one of the first owners in the Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club where he was one of the first Master Board members. They were blessed with a great group of friends in Fort Myers as they were in Springfield, Il.
One of his greatest blessings was his special relationship with his Grandson Max. They shared the same passion for golf, baseball, basketball and the Fighting Illini. Grandpa Roy attended many of Max's golf tournaments and his travel and High School baseball games. They were the best of friends so Max nominated him to the Grandpa Hall of Fame.
Roy is survived by his loving wife, Elaine, his son Brian (wife Joann), and daughter Annette (husband Norman). They're surrounded by 4 grandchildren, Brittany (Dan), Max (wife Clare), Lanie (husband Nick) and Shelby (Clayton). They're also blessed with 2 great grandchildren, Blake (Max and Clare's son) and Lennon (Lanie and Nick's daughter) and they are also expecting a great granddaughter Charlie (Shelby and Clayton's daughter).
A celebration of life will be announced in the future.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Judes Children's Hospital.
What’s your fondest memory of Leroy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leroy?
Share a story where Leroy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leroy you’ll never forget.
How did Leroy make you smile?