Elder Roy Mckinely Artis

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not to me only, but also to all who have loved His appearing”

-II Timothy 4:7-8     

     Early Tuesday morning, March 31, 2020, Jesus walked into the room and said, “Well done good and faithful servant.” And, in the twinkling of an eye, God called Elder Roy McKinely Artis home from his labor to his reward while he was resting peacefully at Tyler’s Retreat at Iron Bridge, in Chester, Virginia. Roy, the son of the late Amos and Marybell Artis, was born in Southampton County, Virginia, on January 19, 1942. He is predeceased in death by two brothers Raymond L. Artis and Amos Artis, Jr, one sister Ruby L. Gary.  

   Roy is the fourth child of eight children. He grew up in Emporia, Virginia, where he attended Greensville County Public Schools. On June 28, 1975, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Gracie Elaine Phipps. At the time of her death, they were married for 40 years. He was employed by Georgia Pacific until he retired after 30 years of exemplary service. He shared an entrepreneurial spirit with Gracie, they owned a convenience store in downtown Emporia. He was saved at an early age. After the passing of Elder B.T. Staten, Pastor Roy & Missionary Gracie Artis were elevated to the leadership in the church. In 1996, they founded Friendship Church of God in Christ.

     Elder Roy was a faithful man of God. He loved the Lord and his family. At a young age, he knew deep in his spirit that he was called to share the gospel, teach the word, and lead the lost to Christ. He was passionate about his calling to the ministry. He preached and enjoyed leading Tuesday night Bible Study until his health began to decline. Whenever anyone needed prayer, he stopped what he was doing, called on the name of the Lord, and fervently prayed. He was actively involved in the community. He could always be found visiting nursing homes and hospitals delivering the gospel and a word of hope to brighten someone’s day. The origin of his name, Roy, means King. He took up his mantle and stepped into his royal duty, where he was on the battlefield for the Lord unapologetically until his death.

     Elder Roy was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. He had many hobbies, and he loved the great outdoors. He loved to fish, hunt, play board games, and crossword puzzles. In his spare time, he loved to garden alongside his beautiful wife. During harvest time, he loved to share their freshly grown vegetables with family, friends, and neighbors. He took great pleasure sending his children home with a trunk full of cabbage, white potatoes, kale, collard greens, sweet potatoes, and whatever else they planted that season. During the holidays, you could always find him with his favorite dessert, coconut pie. He will be greatly missed.

      Elder Roy leaves to cherish his memory, his son, Keith C. Adkins (Kimberly), the pride and joy of his life, and the apple of his eye, his one and only granddaughter, Keisha Monique Adkins, two brothers, Elder Harry L. Artis (Christine), Bishop Randolph V. Artis, two sisters, Doretha Avens, and Jean L. Artis, nephews, nieces, and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Elder Artis' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Elder Roy McKinely Artis

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elder Roy Mckinely Artis, please visit our floral store.