In Loving Memory of Roy Cain

June 15, 1943 – September 25, 2026

Roy Cain, age 83, of Canton, Georgia, passed away on September 25, 2026. Roy was born on June 15, 1943, in Jasper, Georgia, to the late Paralee Payne and Doyle Cain. From his early years in the North Georgia mountains to the many chapters of his life that followed, Roy lived a life filled with hard work, adventure, friendship, family, and a genuine love for people.

Roy was a man who believed in working hard and making something of himself. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Air Force in 1961. He proudly served his country until 1965 as a B-52 bomber mechanic. His military service was an important part of who he was, and he carried the pride of having served his country with him throughout his life.

After his time in the Air Force, Roy turned his energy toward building a life and a business of his own. He became a successful entrepreneur, owning five grocery stores over the years, including four Cain’s Cash and Tote’m stores and Cain’s Kwik Shop. He also owned and operated Good Time Charlie’s, located near the Cherokee County and Cobb County line. He also owned a book store named CC’s Trading Alley in Canton, Georgia. Roy knew how to work, and he knew how to work with people. His businesses became places where customers were often more than customers—they were friends.

Roy retired in 2007, but he never really retired from living. He was a people person who enjoyed a good conversation, a good laugh, and simply being around others. He had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome, and there was rarely a shortage of stories or memories when Roy was around.

He was also deeply involved in his community. Roy was a charter member of the Canton Golf Course, joining in 1977, and was a member of the Jaycees and Game and Fish. He spent time coaching Dizzy Dean baseball and midget football, giving young people the encouragement and guidance that only someone who truly cared could provide.

Roy loved the outdoors and the freedom of the open road. He enjoyed fishing and gardening, and he loved traveling in his motor home, making memories along the way. For Roy, the destination was never the whole point. It was the people he was with, the places he saw, and the stories he could tell when he returned home.

But beneath all of his accomplishments, adventures, businesses, hobbies, and friendships was something even more important to Roy—his family.

Roy was a proud father, and his son, Chance, was one of the great joys of his life. Roy was especially proud of Chance’s baseball career and coaching career and was the kind of father who wanted to be there, cheering from the sidelines and supporting his son every step of the way. He took great pride in watching Chance grow and pursue the things he loved.

And then came Caitlyn.

To Caitlyn, he was Papa Roy, and being her grandfather was one of the greatest gifts of his life. Roy absolutely adored his granddaughter. She held a special place in his heart that words can hardly describe. Whether they were sharing time together, talking, laughing, gardening or simply enjoying one another's company, Roy treasured those moments. The love between Papa Roy and Caitlyn was something special, and those memories will remain with her for the rest of her life.

Roy also shared his later years with his life partner, Lynne Day, with whom he enjoyed life, travel, and the many everyday moments that become treasured memories. Together, they made memories traveling in their motor home and enjoying the simple pleasures of being together.

Roy's life was not measured simply by the businesses he owned, the places he traveled, or the years he lived. It was measured by the people he loved, the friendships he made, the young people he encouraged, and the family who meant everything to him.

He leaves behind a lifetime of stories. Some will bring laughter, some will bring tears, and many will begin with, “Remember when Roy…” And that may be one of the greatest ways a person can be remembered—through the stories that continue to be told long after they are gone.

Roy will be deeply missed by his son and daughter in law Chance and Cindy Cain of Canton, Georgia; his beloved granddaughter, Caitlyn Cain; his brother, Preston “Tonnie” Cain of Trussville, Alabama; his life partner, Lynne Day of Canton, Georgia and his nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many friends and extended family members whose lives were made richer simply because Roy was a part of them.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karol Lynn Sellers Cain; his brother, Don Cain; his sisters, Evelyn Cain Reeves and Linda Cain Baynes; and his stepfather, Rowland Roberts.

Though Roy is no longer here to make another trip, cast another fishing line, tend his garden, tell another story, or cheer from the sidelines, the love he gave and the memories he created will always remain. His family will carry him with them—in the stories they tell, in the laughter he left behind, and most especially in the love that they shared.

Papa Roy may be gone from their sight, but he will never be gone from their hearts.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Monday, September 28, 2026, from the Chapel of Darby Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 27, from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM, and again Monday morning from 9:30 AM until the funeral hour.

Interment will follow at 1:30 PM at Georgia National Cemetery, where Roy will be honored with United States Air Force Honors. Reverend Jimmy Gayton and Mr. Chris Collett will officiate.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cain family and to celebrate the life and memory of Roy Cain—a beloved father, Papa, brother, partner, friend, veteran, businessman, and a man who simply loved people and loved life.