Roy graduated in 1988 from Holy Savior Menard Central High School, the Roman Catholic secondary institution in Alexandria. Prior to his having been elected mayor, Roy practiced law with his brother Chris, Jr., in Alexandria. His father, Chris Roy, Sr., was formerly affiliated with the firm of the legendary Alexandria lawyer Camille Gravel. Roy attended Louisiana State University, at which he majored in Political Science, with concentration in American government and politics, and Southern University Law Center, both in Baton Rouge.