Although he grew up in New Orleans and was named Defensive Player of year while attending Alcorn State, it was when he was playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and living in Philadelphia when the seed for his true purpose was planted. During his time in Philadelphia Coach Roynell would bring the homeless back to his high rise apartment and give them a hot meal and clean them up. Ultimately it was when he, his wife and son Roy Jr. moved to Houston where the seed began to grow. He saw the blight and despair in the community of Sunnyside and felt he had to give the kids there a chance and this was the beginning of
Pro-Vision. At first a school for young men, he also came to understand young girls needed just as much opportunity. He now has a much broader vision and wants to establish an entire community where people can live, play, eat and work in a secure environment. He believes if he can be successful with Pro-Vision in Sunnyside, it can help lift up the surrounding area and give hope to many who do not see a way out.
Coach Roy wrote a book about his exploits, 'Walking In The Shadow of Footsteps' and one of the things that impressed me the most was how he and a friend started Pro-Vision and no one knew he was a former professional football player. He did it with his own need to give those less fortunate a chance for a better life. His story is truly inspiring but even more important is the impact he has had and is still having today.