Roy Alvin McCann

                                                                    THE JOURNEY OF LIFE
                                                                                   for                  
                                                                      Roy Alvin McCann
On the sixteenth day of December in the year nineteen hundred forty-four, in Preston, Louisiana Roy McCann was born to the late Maggie and Wilmor McCann Sr. The McCann family moved to Mineola, Texas in the mid 1940’s.

Roy was baptized at an early age at East Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Mineola, Texas. Where he actively served in Sunday School, Methodist Youth Fellowship, and Youth Choir. In his early teens he discovered his musical talent to sing and play the piano.

Roy graduated from McFarland High School where he finished third in his class. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas. He continued on the path of learning, earning a Master’s Degree in Biology from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.

His teaching career originated in the state of Louisiana. Roy taught General Science and Biology at Herndon High School and at Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport, Louisiana. He taught at Booker T. for 46 years. Longevity earned him the title “Mr. Booker T.” He was not only devoted to the faculty and staff but the students as well. He sponsored the B.T.W. Science Club, Thi-Hi-Y club, and Key Club. Roy also participated in numerous seminars, workshops and was an active member in the Louisiana Teacher’s Association.

He was known by family and friends for his GQ look... GQ style…coordinating his colors with a hat, suit, suspenders, bowtie, and shoes.

Despite his active lifestyle and professional endeavors, his faith, family, and love for his Church was never neglected. He began rendering his service to East Chapel C.M.E. Church playing the organ/piano unselfishly; traveling from Shreveport to Mineola twice a month (free of charge) because that was his mission to serve others.

He was devoted and committed to Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church in Shreveport, Louisiana for 40 years as a faithful member and musician of the Male Chorus for 20 years. He also rendered his service and musical gifts at Hollywood Baptist Church, Antioch Baptist Church in Bossier City, and other churches in Marshall, Texas. 

One of the truest measures of a well spent Christian life is the number of persons who are touched by the love, care, and benevolence of one as they pass through life. The highlight of his day was cooking soul food, entertaining family, and friends. Those special Holidays dinners in Mineola always had Roy’s   special touch, from his delicious pineapple Ham, delectable Potato Salad, to the finger-licking good, Turkey and Dressing.  ROY was a surprisingly good cook!

He especially looked forward to the “McCann Family Reunions” that was held biennial in Shreveport, Louisiana.  His infectious smile, outgoing personality and YES that laugh…was in a class all by itself.

After his health began to fail. He could no longer maintain his independence in Shreveport. It was his   desire to move to Wood Memorial Nursing Home in Mineola, Texas. Even at Wood Memorial, Roy would expect his special order of ice cream sandwiches; not one but two or three. Every now and then he requested his niece’s Cassandra Miles delicious peach cobbler.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Wilmor and Maggie McCann; Brothers: Uriadell McCann, LeRoy McCann, Wilmor McCann Jr., Ardis McCann and Lovorn McCann; Sisters: Resia Mary King, Charlie Guy, and Octavia Tyler.

On April 5, 2023, Roy Alvin McCann heard the “Master” say “Well Done” and moved him from an earthly home to his heavenly home.

He leaves to cherish his memories: (one sister) Katie James of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; (one brother) Edward McCann of Tyler, Texas; (sister-in-law) Reverend Evelyn McCann of Mineola, Texas; a longtime coworker and friend Lee Arthur Brown; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.