Roy Anderson was born on March 9, 1929, in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Air Force through the Air Force ROTC program at Georgia Tech University on March 17, 1951, and went on active duty beginning August 19, 1951. Lt Anderson next completed pilot training and was awarded his pilot wings at Reese AFB, Texas, in October 1952, followed by C-46 Commando transition training. He deployed to Brady AB, Japan, in December 1952, and he flew C-46 transports with the 34th Troop Carrier Squadron of the 315th Troop Carrier Group in Japan and Korea from December 1952 to November 1953. His final assignment was as a Coordination Officer in the Armament Test Equipment Lab with Headquarters Air Force Armament Center at Eglin AFB, Florida, from December 1953 until he left active duty on September 13, 1955. Lt Anderson remained in the Air Force Reserve until March 17, 1956. After leaving the Air Force, Roy founded Roy Anderson Corporation, which grew into one of the largest general construction companies in the Southeastern United States. Roy Anderson died on April 20, 2011, and was buried at the Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport, Mississippi. Roy and his wife Louise "Weezie" Anderson had three children and nine grandchildren together during their 59-year marriage.

His Air Medal Citation reads:

First Lieutenant Roy Anderson Jr., distinguished himself while performing duties as Pilot of an unarmed transport aircraft while participating in aerial flight in the Korean conflict from 17 December 1952 to 12 July 1953. Despite adverse weather conditions, hazardous terrain and threat of enemy attack, urgently needed military supplies and equipment were transported to combat areas in Korea, in direct support of troops engaging in mortal combat. Cargo vital to the United Nations efforts in Korea was transported on these missions, leaving no margin for aircrew error. By his courage, ability and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Anderson reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.