Roy A. "Boogie" Thaxton of Sissonville passed away July 30, 2013, at home after a long illness. The son of the late Robert and Lily Harrison Thaxton, he was born November 27, 1934.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Franklin, Theodore and Atlee Thaxton; and one sister, Francis Thaxton Whittington.

Left to mourn his passing and cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Joan Miller Thaxton; two sons, Dr. Steve Thaxton and companion, Sabrina Segarra, of Sissonville and Dr. Jeffrey Thaxton and his wife, Dr. Rebecca McGraw, of Charleston; the delight of his life, his two grandchildren, MacKenzie and Maverik Thaxton of Charleston; three sisters, Neda Fizer and her husband, Paul, Sharon Pinkerton and her husband, Mickey, and Wanda Holmes, widow of James Holmes; several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly and who loved him just as dearly; and a host of friends who will always carry fond memories.

A 1954 graduate of Sissonville High, Boogie was a proud member of Joe Sawyer's 1953 undefeated football team. His teammates from this team will be serving as his pallbearers. After high school, Boogie joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in California and spent 18 months on Guam. Computer training in the Air Force led to a career in computers, first at Workers Compensation, then in charge of payroll for the city of Huntington and at Union Carbide from 1967 to 1986. He then changed careers and became the owner and operator of Sissonville Dairy Queen from 1986 until his retirement in 1996.

Boogie was active in youth-centered activities in Sissonville for many years, coaching Midget League football and Little League baseball. He also served as his sons' main sponsor and pit crew for his sons' motorcycle racing for many years. He co-owned and managed the motocross track in Ripley. Boogie also worked with Steve manufacturing bio-diesel fuel for nearly a decade.

Boogie joined his son, Steve, in Australia during a Guns N' Roses tour and he and Jody, with their special friends, Don and Janet Stalnaker, began traveling together in 1996 with a visit to Steve in London. During this trip the four of them went on to Paris before returning to London, after which Steve and Boogie went on a photo safari in South Africa.

In 1997, Jody and Boogie traveled to San Francisco with Jeff and Rebecca.

They continued their travels with Don and Janet and Betty and David Kirby to such places as South America, Europe and Australia, visiting many historic places along the way.

The family wishes to express special thanks to the nurses and his caretakers, including his niece, Cynthia Stafford, for their care during his last days, allowing him to remain in the home he loved. The care from Hospice and his caretakers was invaluable during this time.

A service celebrating Boogie's life will be held at Long and Fisher Funeral Home on Friday, August 2, at 1 p.m. Entombment will follow at Floral Hills Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, August 1, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25387.

Condolences may be sent to longfisherfuneralhome.com.