Roy joined the military in 1956 and upon traveling by ship from New York to Germany became very seasick the whole way over. He loved talking so much about his time in the Army. 

He worked at Harpers Nursery, where he learned of the different trees and plants which helped him when he worked as a grounds man at Arizona State University (ASU) and became the supervisor for the grounds years after. He retired from ASU after 25 years and was an ASU football fan also.

Proceeded in death by his parents Roy M. Palma, Sr., and Maria B. Morales, a brother, two sisters, and a grandson. Survived by six children, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and five siblings.

Services were held on March 18 at Holy Cross Catholic Church followed by burial at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.