December 19, 1930–October 10, 2016
Family and friends celebrate the life of Roy Crawford Pledger, husband, father, grandfather and friend. We rejoice in the life he was privileged to live and we feel grateful to have received his love.
Roy was born in Tyler, Texas to George P. and Deborah Pledger. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees at Texas A&M University. Roy served for five years as an officer in the United States Air Force, 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron as a B-29 Super Fortress navigator, during the Korean War. He was awarded the Air Medal for In-Flight Meritorious achievement in a combat zone.
Roy practiced architecture in Boulder and Denver, Colorado and Houston, Texas at Golemon and Rolfe Architects. He joined the College of Architecture faculty at Texas A&M University in 1965 and retired as Professor Emeritus in 1993. During this time period, he also spent six years with the Historic American Building Survey–working with teams of students across the United States documenting historic structures for the National Archives. Affectionately known as “The Frisbee Prof,” he could be spotted throwing Frisbees with students across campus.
In addition to a life devoted to his family, Roy enjoyed fine woodworking, photography, snow skiing, gardening, poetry, racquetball, travel, classical music and art museums. Roy was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
Roy is survived by his wife of more than fifty years, Suanne Davis Pledger, children Jonathan and Kelley Pledger, Anna and Tom Riehm, Tobi and Bill Weber, Becky Talley and brother Thomas Ray Pledger. Also, eight grandchildren who will always adore their Poppy.
We are so grateful for the love of lifelong extended family friends, including the families of David and Valerie Woodcock, Ward and Diane Wells, Michael and Carolyn Hall, the Schiffhauers, Bates, Coodys and Paquettes.
In deference to Roy’s wishes, formal services are not planned. He asked that friends and family perform a kind service for someone in need or make a contribution to Brazos Valley Food Bank, CASA or Hospice Brazos Valley.
Oh no! My heart goes out to you, Suanne. Our situations are not the same but it’s still the loss of our husbands. Please take care of yourself.
Dear Phil
Thank you for your kind words and for coming to the house. You are a very special lady.
Suanne
I had Mr Pledger as a drawing professor and will always think fondly of him… we drew a lot of trees and not as much architecture in class… alot of time in the parks and his class was a needed respite. I think I still have my drawings from his class. Derek and I will be praying for your family.
Dear Phil
Thank you for your kind words and for coming to the house. You are a very special lady.
Suanne
Dear Verr – Thank you for the kind words and thoughts.Our family feels so comforted by
the memories of others about Roy…we will always be grateful to have had him.
Suanne & family
We are so deeply saddened by the loss of Roy. We have such wonderful memories of a good friend and great man. We love you and are praying for all of you.
Dear sweet Steven…You are such a comfort. Thank you for the phone calls and photos
…we are so comforted by the memories of Roy being shared by friends.
Love to all of you…Suanne
My prayers are with you and your family during this tough time.
Dear Hays…..Thank you for your prayers. Our family is taking great comfort in the memories of Roy
being shared by friends and former students and we feel so fortunate to have had his love.
Suanne
We are honored to have known the Pledger’s “poppy”…he was always so sweet, always smiling and always a twinkle in his eyes. Praying that God will give you all strength in the days to come.
Dear Ones – Thank you for the sweet words and prayers. We are so comforted by the kindness of
friends and former students … their memories of Roy warm our hearts.
We are fortunate to have had his love.
Suanne
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Though I did not have the privilege to know Mr. Pledger personally, his daughter is one of the nicest people with high values and principles. I know his parenting had a big impact of her.
Dear Jim – Thank you for your kind words. Messages like yours truly warm our hearts. Anna has mentioned how nice it is to work with you and I look forward to meeting you in the future.
Suanne
I was a member of the Disc Association of A&M back in the late ’70’s and early ’80’s. Roy was our faculty sponsor. He was a good man. My condolences to his family.
Dear Frank – Thank you for the kind words and memories of Roy……it is a great comfort to our family.
Suanne
Hope he didn’t suffer. I remember him as being a devoted husband and father, a great frisbee
thrower, and an all-around nice guy when I painted your home many years ago.
Dear Dennis – Thank you for the kind words….we are comforted by the memories of others.
He definitely was an all-round nice guy and we are fortunate to have had his love.
Suanne
Suanne….I haven’t seen you in many years, but remember you so well. I’m saddened to hear of your loss, and join with the many others in sending love and support to you and your family.
Dear sweet Judy – Thank you for your kind words and love.
We are so fortunate to have had his love… he was a great husband/father/grandfather/friend.
My best to you and your family…. I have good memories of attending grade school with you and getting to know your parents and siblings.
Suanne
Such a beautiful fellow…I am so sorry for your loss. May he, and all your family be at peace.
Dear Marilyn- Thank you for your kind words they are such a comfort to the family.
We are so fortunate to have had Roy’s love.
My best to you and your family – Suanne
Dear Suanne! We had such sweet times in HS didn’t we? You were so pretty and fun. I feel sure your husband loved you to pieces!
He was a serving man it sounds like…and had a wonderful life! May God comfort all of you…and may your memories bring much comfort. I’m so glad you were blessed with the love a great man
Dear sweet Leslie – Thank you for your kind words – they are so heart warming!
Yes, he was a great guy and could make me laugh till the end…probably that never ends because of the great memories.
We did have fun times in HS… I always loved your family.
Love and best wishes to you and your family.
Suanne
Dear Suanne, I was so sorry to learn of Roy’s passing. It has been a long and wonderful relationship for you two. It was fun to see it in the beginning and at least I have had the chance to see you from time to time as we “gray” out. I know your children and grandchildren will continue to bring you great joy. You are such a lovely person and I have enjoyed our long, if spare friendship. My best regards to you, your children and the grands.
Dear Carolyn – Thank you for your kind words…they are a comfort to all of our family.
Roy was a great guy and could make me laugh till the end…probably forever because of the good memories.
My best to you and your family – Suanne