Lake, Roy, 1923-2018

Roy H. Lake (1923-2018) was an African American civil servant, musician, and veteran of the United States Navy.

Lake was born May 6, 1923 in Jefferson, South Carolina to William and Sadie Lake. His family moved to Greensboro, N.C., and he attended James B. Dudley High School. In 1942, Lake was recruited to join the United States Navy B-1 Band as a clarinetist. The U.S. Navy B-1 Band was the first all-African American Navy Band during World War II. He was known to his fellow service members by the nickname "Bably Lake."

Following his service in the Navy, Lake attended North Carolina A&T State University and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. After graduating, Lake went on to work at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He eventually became the Chief of the Semi-conductor and Space Discharge Systems and Devices Division - the first time in the Patent Office's 125-year history a person of color served in that capacity. Lake retired in 1980.

Lake was married to Geraldine Lake and had five children: Winona, Michael, Stephen, Anita, and Lisa.