Cannon-Byrd Funeral Home – Simpsonville

313 North Main Street
Simpsonville, SC 29681
Phone: (864) 757-1771

Rory “Roy” Chapman Gaffney

Roy Chapman, 15, of Fountain Inn, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 6, 2026 while at home surrounded by his family.

Born in Florence, SC, Roy was a son of Gary & Amy Gaffney. In addition to his parents, he is survived by two siblings, his sister, Ansley Gaffney, and his twin brother, Ian.

From an early age, Roy had a special love for Christ, and that relationship continued to grow as he did. His faith was an important part of who he was and of the wonderful young man he became.

Roy also had an incredible sense of humor. He loved making people laugh and seemed to have a new joke ready to share almost every day. His laughter, his smile, and the joy he brought to those around him are memories that will always be treasured.

One of the most special parts of Roy’s life was the bond he shared with his twin brother, Ian. From the day they were born, Roy and Ian were practically inseparable. They weren’t simply brothers—they were best friends, partners in adventure, and always seemed to be connected at the hip.

Together, they loved using their imaginations. They especially enjoyed dressing up in costumes, with Marvel superheroes and anime characters among their favorites. They could spend hours pretending to be different characters, creating their own adventures and becoming heroes in worlds of their own making. Roy also loved writing his own comic books and inventing his own super hero characters.

Roy loved playing games with his sister Ansley.  He looked up to his sister as she made him laugh and enjoyed long walks with her.  Roy also loved playing and walking his dogs Bo and Buddy.  The beach walks were his favorites.

When cancer became part of Roy’s story, he faced his journey with extraordinary bravery and strength. He fought so hard, but through it all, cancer never defined who Roy was. His faith, his courage, his humor, and his love for others continued to shine.

In just 15 years on this earth, Roy made a tremendous impact for God’s Kingdom. His life reminds us that the significance of a life is not measured simply by the number of years we are given, but by the faith we share, the love we give, and the lives we touch.

And perhaps Roy himself gave us the best words to remember today. They are words that reflected the faith he carried in his heart and the hope he wanted others to know:

“If you are a Christian, you never die.”

Today, those words mean more than ever. Roy believed them. Roy lived them. And because of that faith, we can hold onto the hope that this is not goodbye forever.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Cannon Byrd Funeral Home – Simpsonville, 313 N. Main Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Rally For Roy Foundation @

www. facebook.com/rallyforroyfoundation 

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8 Responses

  1. Gary, Amy and family so sorry for your loss. I’m sure Tommy and Judy welcomed him with open arms. Gods love and blessing to each of you.
    Linda Blume

  2. In my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻 I understand cancer also how it takes people away so quickly..huggs prayers and thoughts of ROY in heaven today !!!!!!!

  3. TO THE FAMILY: I am so very sorry for your loss. “Friends of our God, though they may pass away, will never be forsaken. All those asleep who in God’s memory stay, from death he will be awaken. Then we’ll come to see all that life can be: Paradise eternally. He will call; the dead will answer. They will live at his command. For he will have a longing for the work of his own hand. So have faith, and do not wonder, for our God can make us stand. And we will live forever, as the work of his own hand.”
    Job 14:13-15.

  4. What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us,” Ralph Waldo Emerson.

  5. I know Roy was an inspiration to all who knew him and I know his deep faith in Jesus has really touched my heart and soul and I believe Roy was received into the arms of Jesus in an instant as he drew his last earthly breath and that his joy is beyond comprehension! May His peace and love envelope you Amy,Gary, Ian, and Ansley! We love your family and pray for all of you!

  6. Amy, Gary, Ansley and Ian…. Love you all so very much!! all of you are in my heart and prayers!!! Roy is a true HERO in EVERY SINGLE WAY!!! Love you Al!!! Andrea Thigpen and Regan Mcgaha

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