Roy Edward Abshier, a member of the United States Marine Corp who served as Mayor of Belleview for a decade and as a Marion County commissioner for two terms, has passed away at the age of 86.
A patriarch and businessman known throughout Marion County, Abshier was born in Ocala in March of 1938 and passed away in Belleview on Sunday, July 7, 2024, according to his obituary.
Abshier is described by his family of three children and ten grandchildren as a man of faith, having served his community through his church, his business, his family, and his local government.
As his grandfather, William V. Abshier, and father, Alfred E. Abshier, did before him, and his son, Emery Abshier, did after, Roy Abshier embraced his civic duty.
All four individuals served on the city’s commission in some capacity in every decade from 1950 to 2010, excluding the 1980s.
Roy Abshier was the longest-tenured Mayor of Belleview until its current mayor, Christine Dobkowski, having served from March 1, 1970, to February 28, 1980, according to records provided by the mayor’s office.
After his contributions as mayor, Abshier served two terms on the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.
Abshier was also a charter member of the Belleview Rotary Club and served as Chairman of both the Republican Club of Marion County and the Economic Development Council. He was also active in Marion County Senior Services, according to his obituary.