William H. Roy graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York City in 1957, majoring in graphic design and fine arts. He worked as a graphic designer, art teacher, and landscape architect until 1993 when he decided to pursue his passion in American folk art. Roy evolved a unique ageing finish that, along with his discerning eye for form and color, has distinguished his work. His work is now collected by art patrons and is demanded by folk art lovers around the world.

Roy's work has appeared in numerous magazines including Colonial Homes, Country Living, and Early American Life (in which his work has been selected for the Directory of Traditional American Crafts since the year 2000). His work can also be found in the gift shop of the American Folk Art Museum in New York.