Roy Dixon Minshew, Jr, nicknamed “Dickie,” was a Folk Art Sculptor and Artist. Roy was born on February 28, 1950 and lived in Fitzgerald, GA all his life. He died on July 20, 2026 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. His parents were the late Roy Sr. and Mable Minshew of Fitzgerald. He graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 1968. He served in the Viet Nam War and he was a Sergeant in the Air Force. He was a member of the American Legion Post 99 and the Viet Nam Veterans Association. Also, he was a member of Central Christian Church and the Christian Fellowship Church. Survivors include Nancy Martin of Rochelle GA, Pat Livingston Hale, and Heather Hale of Fayetteville GA, and Shirley Marsee of Fitzgerald, GA. Plus, he had many family members in Georgia and other states. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Grand-Parents, Walter and Mary Minshew, John and Laura Ray, a special cousin, Brenda McDowell of Cordele, and two furry companions, J. B. and Chili.
Roy was a self-made artist and sculptor and was noted for his Folk Art creations of various animals such as dogs, pigs, rabbits, birds, and more. He was in demand by his customers and art collectors to create one of a kind sculpture for them. He had shows in various cities and museums including New York, the Smithsonian in Washington DC, Alabama and Georgia. His specialty was “Angel Dogs” which were carved in wood and painted with attached wings and a sturdy leather string to attach to a ceiling so they would present the concept of flying. Many galleries sold his works. Once, in the “Living” Section of the Atlanta Journal, a featured article about him as a Folk Artist was written along with a photo of a cute, little quirky pig with a corkscrew tail that he designed. A Folk Art Gallery in Dawsonville hired him to sculpt and paint a 12 foot tall Angel with Wings and Long Hair which was displayed on the front yard of the Gallery. He used scaffolding to reach the top of the angel.
He was also a good cook as he enjoyed barbecuing beef, pork, chicken, and more. He was known for the ingredients in his barbecue sauce and the wood he used which gave a delicious smoky taste and flavor. One of his hobbies included baking cookies in various shapes featuring the military and one was of President Donald Trump which he decorated in red, white, and blue along with blonde hair.
Among his other hobbies included photography, reading books of all genre, and talking politics (almost all of the time). He was honored in his hometown with being included in the “Welcome to Fitzgerald” wall mural featuring other local folks and artists He is pictured holding a painted sculpture of one of his Angel Dogs.
Roy's family would like to thank all of the many people who gave of their time, all the medical staff that helped him in various clinics of the VA and hospitals, and all the people and his family who visited with him over the years. We would like to say a special “Thank You” in particular for all you have done for our Roy over the many years of his illnesses to Hector Mercado, Tim Pust, and Danny Gay. We deeply appreciate you and we know Roy is nodding and grinning for all who have been blessings in his life.
Instead of flower arrangements, donations in memory of Roy would be deeply appreciated to charities, foundations, or churches of your choice such as the Humane Society or the Military.
A Memorial Service at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel is planned for Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Pastor Danny Gay will Officiate.
Thank You, Jason Holt and Paulk Funeral Home for your assistance with the Memorial Service.