Did You Know? Roy Disney was born in IllinoisRoy O. Disney, who co-founded Walt Disney Productions with his younger brother, Walt Disney, was born in Chicago in 1893.

The Disney family moved to Kansas City in the early 1900s, where Roy began delivering papers for The Kansas City Star. After graduating from the Manual Training High School of Kansas City, Disney worked on a farm and as a bank clerk for a period of time. He then served in the United States Navy from 1917 until 1919 before he was discharged when he contracted tuberculosis.

Roy then moved to Los Angeles where he was joined by his brother in 1923 and the pair founded Disney Brothers Studio. His brother did the majority of the creative work for the company, while Roy made sure that the company remained financially stable. Roy was named CEO in 1929 and oversaw the construction of Walt Disney World after Walt passed away. After being named the president of Walt Disney Productions in 1966, Roy held the position for two years and formally retired in 1971, shortly after Walt Disney World opened in Florida.

Learn more:
The Forgotten Brother Who Built a Magic Kingdom