Leroy E Usilton's Obituary
Leroy Elton “Roy” Usilton, 91, died in Clearwater, FL on August 6, 2015 after a long illness. He was born in Washington DC on November 23,1923 and lived in the Washington area for over 80 years. Raised in Arlington VA, Roy graduated from Washington-Lee High School in 1942, where he played clarinet in the marching band.
After graduation, Roy was eager to fight for his country in World War II, enlisting in the Naval Air Corps in September 1942. He trained as a pilot and was commissioned in 1944 in Pensacola, FL. Ensign Usilton was sent to the Pacific in July 1944, where he began flying from the aircraft carrier “Princeton”. Just a month later, she was sunk, and Roy, along with several thousand men, abandoned ship. After many harrowing hours in the ocean, he was rescued by another ship and later assigned to another carrier.
Attached to Air Group 97, Ensign Usilton piloted a Grumman Hellcat, and downed many enemy aircraft and ships. He earned 4 battle stars, the rank of Lieutenant, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
In 1945, Roy came home to marry his sweetheart, Dottie Wohlfarth, in Brentwood MD. They were married for 65 years and had two children, Susan Usilton and Lee Usilton (both of Clearwater) and one grandson, Damian Heinz of Dunedin FL. He is also survived by a sister, Evelyn Hutchinson of Tallahassee FL and five nieces.
Roy and Dottie lived in Annandale VA for over 50 years, where his garden kept the neighbors supplied with tomatoes, squash and green beans. Before his illness, he enjoyed running and would ride his bike for miles every day. Roy also loved fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, where he kept a boat for many years
He was a charter member of Hope Lutheran Church in Annandale VA, and also attended Chapel by the Sea in Clearwater.
A memorial service is planned for Thursday, August 27th, 2015 at 2:00pm at Chapel by the Sea, 54 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater Beach .
Following the service, a celebration of Roy's life will be held at Hooter's on Clearwater Beach.
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?