Roy Beverly Wilkins, 93 years old, of Roanoke Rapids, NC passed away at his home Sunday, May 21, 2023. He was born May 23, 1929 in Granville Co., NC.
Roy was one of 10 children born to Helon and Hettie Wilkins. He was predeceased by siblings H.P. Wilkins, Patsy Boone, Tommy Wilkins, Dorothy Spurling, and Billy Wilkins.
Surviving siblings: Donald Wilkins (Butner), Jackie Wilkins (Mary) of Durham, Dwight Wilkins (Carolyn) of Oxford, and Becky Boyd (Harold) of Oxford.
He leaves many dear nieces and nephews along with their children that he enjoyed being with every chance he could.
He graduated from Stem High School in Stem, NC.
After serving in the US Army in the Korean Conflict, he attended school at Coyne Electrical School in Chicago and settled in Roanoke Rapids.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Louise, of the home, and sons Jerry (Linda) of Newport, NC, and Charles (Ginger) of Winston-Salem,NC , along with 4 cherished grandchildren: Jennifer Edwards (Clint) of Goldsboro, Matt Wilkins (Katie) of Pine Bluff, Sam Wilkins of Winston-Salem and Emily Wilkins of Matthews, NC.
Roy never met a stranger. His infectious smile and optimism in life brought him many devoted friends.
He was active in his church and community over many decades and was a dedicated family man and servant of the Lord.
He enjoyed many hobbies, including gardening, and for many years cultivated a beautiful rose garden as well as a vegetable garden, sharing gladly with all that he grew.
He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed many trips to the Outer Banks with family and friends. Remembrances of his time in service while stationed in Japan and later trips with family to Hawaii and Italy brought him much happiness.
He was an active member of Rosemary United Methodist Church, serving in the Methodist Men’s group and the Men’s Sunday School Class.
He volunteered for many years to record Sunday worship services and then spent many hours delivering the recordings to those who were unable to attend in person, thus allowing him to further spread the ministry of Christ.
He was recognized by the church for this service as well as being named an Honorary Member of the Church Council for his dedication to the congregation.
Roy was the ideal example of a good and faithful Servant of the Lord and truly blessed all with his humble and kind spirit.
He was a member of the Lion’s Club and was well known and appreciated for his career in the insurance industry for many years.
Visitation is at 1:00 pm Thursday, May 25 followed by funeral services at 2:30 at Rosemary United Methodist Church. A graveside service with military honors will take place at Cedar Wood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rosemary United Methodist Church in memory of Roy Wilkins.
The family wishes to thank Gentiva Hospice Services of Roanoke Rapids for their care over the past months and the family and friends of Roy and Louise for their kind and loving care and support of Roy and Louise over the years.