November 26, 2024, 70, Goldsboro —
Claudie Royce Gray, 70, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center surrounded by his family. Royce was born in Wayne County to the late Roy and Willa Gray on February 28, 1954.
After graduation, Royce worked with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Wayne Oil Company before returning to the family farm on a full-time basis.
Working as a farmer all his life, Royce had a strong work ethic that was instilled in him from birth. Whatever came up at the farm, Royce could handle or use his resources to get it done. Growing tobacco for many years, he experienced numerous changes throughout his career, from stick barns to bulk barns and hand-cropped to machine-cropped. Regardless of method, Royce always made sure his product was top quality. He was a passionate John Deere kind of farmer and frequently reminded his family and friends that the best tractors were painted John Deere green.
Royce loved what he did for a living and was always interested in farm equipment. Every chance to go to a farm equipment sale was taken. Whether or not he made a purchase, he was guaranteed to have a good time of fellowship with others who enjoyed “farm talk” as much as he did. His love for farming came second only to the love he held for his family. They were the bedrock of his existence, and he believed them to be his greatest blessing in life.
As a regular at the “table of knowledge” at Wilber’s Barbecue, Royce shared in telling stories of his life and listening to others share theirs through the years. The camaraderie of those who attended was strong, and tall tales were abundant.
Always wanting to make a difference in the lives of others, Royce was generous in supporting those in need and local community initiatives. He faithfully supported the work of Edgewood Community Developmental School in Goldsboro.
The family will receive friends on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A service celebrating Royce’s life will be held by the graveside at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024, in the Gray Family Cemetery near the home with Rev. Bill Rose officiating.
Royce is survived by his wife of 41 years, Bonnie Smith Gray; son, Daniel Gray and wife, Summer; step-daughter, Dana Bradford; step-grandchildren whom he loved and raised as his own, Anna Grace Bradford and Macy Caroline Bradford; step-grandson, Jackson Alan Martin; and a step great-grandchild, Nolan Gray Bell. He is also survived by his brother, Randy Gray, and his wife, Jennie; his canine friend, Gypsy; and his extended family whom he loved very much.
Royce had a soft spot in his heart for children, the elderly, and those in difficult circumstances. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to Free Will Baptist Family Ministries, 90 Stanley Lane, Greenville, TN 37743.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
