Roy R. Fielding

On Friday, May 15, 2020, Roy Fielding, loving husband and professor, passed away unexpectedly at age 68 when his big, beautiful heart stopped at his beloved home, Westfield Lodge, in the North Carolina mountains.

Roy was born on June 2, 1951 in Cedar Falls, Iowa to Rusty and Jennie (Cummings) Fielding. He received his Bachelor and Master degrees at the University of Northern Iowa, where he was part of the swim team. Roy was a professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte for 41 years and volunteered for the American Red Cross for over 50 years. Roy married Mary Gaye Westbrook in 1988 and they created homes for themselves in Mint Hill, West Jefferson, and Oak Island, NC.

Roy’s legacy cannot be done justice in words- his awards and achievements too numerous to list. He was most proud of his impact on his students that loved him and looked up to him as a mentor. Everyone who knew Roy knew of his quiet, peaceful nature, his dry, brilliant humor, and his passionate dedication to his work. Roy was The Pool Professor, The Defender of his family, and a true superhero to all.

Roy was preceded in death by his father, Rusty, and his mother, Jennie. He is survived by his devoted wife Mary Gaye Fielding, their beloved dogs Dexter and Duncan, his parent-in-laws Sarah Lynn and Arthur DeBour and Earl and Debra Westbrook, and all of his loving family herd including, April, Dana, and Victoria Hargett; Earl and Lezlie Westbrook and Kyle Harman and family; Wendy, Tyler, and Kyle Hood; Bruce, Gracia, Morgan, Mason, Mackenzie Cummings; Roger, Vickey, Ryan, and Vanessa Fielding; Great Uncle Roy Flynt; and numerous cousins, friends, colleagues, and students.

Donations can be made to the pre-existing Mary Gaye & Roy Fielding Athletics Development Fund and the Roy and Mary Gaye Fielding Scholarship for UNCC students at crowdfund.uncc.edu/RoyFielding. Roy will be honored with the Roy R. Fielding Aquatics Center at UNCC. The dedication will be combined with his celebration of life to honor Roy’s legacy at a date to be announced.