If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Roy Lawrence Winecoff Jr. he was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Roy was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.
Roy was born at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, North Carolina. He was the son of Roy Sr. and Mary Magdaline Myers Winecoff. Roy was raised in Iredell County. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Roy was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Roy's personality throughout his life.
Though Roy was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Roy was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Roy worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Roy was raised with two siblings. He had two sisters Colleen and Narine. Roy and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.
As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Roy was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Roy was always tactful. One thing Roy will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Roy had a number of interests and was an active child. Roy took part in softball and basketball. He was a Scout. In his spare time he liked hunting and fishing with his father. Roy's memorable achievements included his Boy Scout Awards.
For Roy, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Roy was also adept at details. Roy was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from St. Stephens High School in 1957. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was typing. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Ledbetter. In addition to being in the Boy Scouts he was also in ROTC.
There was one thing that all of Roy's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Roy was such a popular person throughout his life. But Roy was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Roy was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Roy was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Roy was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Roy was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Roy made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Larry Sigmon. Later in life, he became friends with Macre and Ela Teague and Guy and Madeline Stafford.
Roy was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Roy cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On November 26, 1970 Roy married Virginia Dare Austin in Gaffney, South Carolina by the Justice of the Peace in Gaffney, South Carolina. Compassionate and devoted, Roy worked hard to make his new life partner happy.
Harmony was important to Roy and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Roy was blessed with two children, one son, Rickland Dean Hollar and one daughter that is passed Pamela Renae Kistler. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Sean Rickland Hollar and Anna Marie Hollar. Roy was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Roy was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Roy would listen before he would act.
Taking his work seriously came naturally to Roy, and he expected the same from those around him. Roy was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Roy was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Roy handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was furniture. He was employed for 56 years with North Hickory Furniture, Phillips Furniture and Wesley Hall Furniture. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.
A methodical man, Roy enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were horseback riding, fishing, hunting and gardening.
Roy was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Roy was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Roy played basketball and baseball. Recreational sports included bowling and golf. Roy also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football.
His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Roy to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Roy did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Roy was a member of the Beta Club.
Roy was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. Politically, Roy was of the Democrat party, strong supporter of the Red Cross and giving blood.
His high moral standards and traditional values served Roy well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member Sandy Ridge Baptist Church for 52 years. During that time, he was on the personnel committee and an usher. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.
Not only did Roy enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included North Myrtle Beach and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Roy was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Wendy, a horse, who was a best friend for 16 years. His family was rounded out by his dog Charlie.
Since it was easy for Roy to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Roy was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2004. In retirement, he found new pleasure in fishing and staying active in church. Even in retirement, Roy stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.
Roy passed away on February 11, 2015 at Frye Regional Medical Center, Hickory, North Carolina. Complications from aorta heart valve replacement. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Austin Winecoff; a son, Rickland Dean Hollar and wife, Kay; a grandson, Sean Rickland Hollar and a granddaughter, Anna Marie Hollar. Services were held at Hickory Funeral Home Chapel, Hickory, North Carolina. Roy was entombed at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Hickory, North Carolina.
Roy was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Roy was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Roy Lawrence Winecoff Jr.
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CONOVER - Roy Lawrence Winecoff, Jr., 75, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at Frye Regional Medical Center. Roy was born November 10, 1939 in Iredell Co. to the late Roy Lawrence Winecoff, Sr and Mary Magdaline Myers Winecoff. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela Rena Kistler and two sisters, Narine W. Reid and Colleen Huffman. He was a member of Sandy Ridge Baptist Church where he was an usher and served on the personnel committee. He was employed by Wesley Hall. Surviving is his wife, Virginia Austin Winecoff; son, Rickland Dean Hollar and wife, Kay of McLean Va; grandson, Sean Rickland Hollar of McLean, Va and a granddaughter, Anna Marie Hollar of McLean Va. Services will be Sunday, February 15, at 3:00 P. M. at Hickory Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Dale Watts officiating. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Sunday, February 15, from 1:45 until 2:45 P. M. at Hickory Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to American Heart Assoc., 222 South Church St., suite 303, Charlotte, N. C. 28202. Condolences may be made online at www.hickoryfh.com. Hickory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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