I met Chris Roy Sr. in January 1973 as the state’s Constitutional Convention convened and I was dispatched to Baton Rouge help with Town Talk coverage, but knew of him sometime earlier.
He was a partner then in the law firm employing my mother as a legal secretary and she frequently mentioned him in flattering ways.
Roy was an elected delegate from House District 26 and was elected one of four convention vice chairmen.
As the following notes, his contributions to our parish and state were just beginning.
Legislative update, introduced by Sen. Jay Luneau and passed unanimously, deservedly so:
WHEREAS, Chris J. Roy Sr. is a distinguished graduate of Louisiana State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree, and soon after, in 1959, was awarded his Juris Doctor degree and in that same year, was admitted to practice law in the state of Louisiana, and subsequently admitted to practice before the United States District Court, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, and the Supreme Court of the United States; and
WHEREAS, throughout a long and respected career as a trial lawyer, Mr. Roy has faithfully served the citizens of Louisiana in numerous legal capacities, including as City Attorney for Alexandria, Louisiana, in 1983; Deputy Clerk of the Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in 1961; Judge Pro Tempore of the City Court of Marksville in 1996; and Judge Pro Tempore of the City Court of Alexandria in 2002; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Chet Traylor announced the appointment of Chris J. Roy Sr. by order of the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as Judge Pro Tempore of the Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Glenn B. Gremillion, effective June 6, 2008, through December 31, 2008, or until such time as the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner; and
WHEREAS, his appointment to the Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, stands as a testament to Mr. Roy’s integrity, legal acumen, and unwavering dedication to justice and public service; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Roy has further demonstrated exemplary leadership within the legal profession, serving as president of the Alexandria Bar Association from 1980 to 1981; chairman of the Bill of Rights Section of the Louisiana State Bar Association from 1988 to 1996; member of the Eighth District Board of Governors from 1971 to 1973; member of the Nominating Committee from 1974 to 1975; member of the Board of Governors of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association from 1971 to 1980 and president of that association from 1978 to 1979, in addition to his membership in the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and CODOFIL; and
WHEREAS, in 1973, Chris served with distinction as a delegate and vice chairman of the Louisiana Constitutional Convention, contributing to the shaping of this state’s governing document; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Roy’s civic and professional service extended beyond the courtroom, serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University from 2001 to 2005; chairman of the Rapides Parish Airport Authority from 1982 to 1983; attorney for the Red River, Atchafalaya, and Bayou Boeuf Levee Districts; fellow of the International Society of Barristers; member of the Melvin Belli Society; co-author of Win ATV Cases, published by Judicial Press in 1988; and retired as a captain in the Louisiana National Guard Green Berets.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend and recognize Chris J. Roy Sr. for his many years of distinguished service to the legal profession and to the citizens of the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Chris
- Roy Sr., as an expression of the Senate’s highest regard and respect and extends best
wishes for continued success.