Roy Austin Banks

roy banks

February 26, 1990 ~ February 15, 2022

Born in: Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in: Asheville, NC

Roy Austin Banks, 31, of Asheville, NC passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2022.

Roy was the son of “Big” Roy Banks of Tennessee, Kim Alfieri Watson and Shelby Watson of Asheville, NC. He is also survived by his inseparable “ride or die” sister, Samantha Watson Dixon; along with his brother, Josh Banks and sister, Siana Banks; grandparents, Pat Alfieri and the late Chuck Alfieri, Ray Banks and Judy Smith; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Roy grew up in Asheville where he attended Erwin High School. His love for his niece, Kenzie, was beautiful and sincere. Roy had a smile that was unforgettable and genuine. The bond Roy shared with his mom is undeniable. The word Stepdad is not enough to express the relationship Shelby and Roy shared as it was led by a dad’s security and protector of being his parent. So many have witnessed his hard work ethic and willingness to help others when he saw the need. Roy enjoyed days on the river with his father, Big Roy. Fishing was among the fondest of his memories. Roy, along with his 2 cousins, John Spurrier and Vinny Alfieri, were deemed the 3 Stooges by their late Grandpa Chuck. Although Bruisy will no longer be able to cause mischief rest assured Stoney and Clutz will continue their legacy… Vinny did it.

It is important for his Family to express that Roy was more than his struggles and his life choices. They did not define his true self. Too bad he couldn’t use his favorite Hero, Batman’s powers to help break his addiction.

“Love fiercely and deeply” are words that Roy would want to remind you to live by.

An Honoring of the Life of Roy will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, prior to the service.

Services

Visitation: February 20, 2022 12:00 pm - October 5, 2024 1:30 pm

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Memorial Service: February 20, 2022 1:30 pm

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. There are only a couple of words to express Little Roy, A BEAUTIFUL SOUL. Roy was a great person, a loving son and other, and a lifelong friend. Roy loved his momma with all his heart and never mess with Little Samantha. I remember watching Roy grow from a young boy to an outstanding man. I was always the older one and looked after the Lil punks. They were full of energy and always having fun. Roy was an amazing skater. Had the road rash scars to prove it. Roy, I will miss your smiling face and those conversations and memories that we both learned from. Thank you for being amazing and rest easy. No more pain and suffering. But know your memories will forever be in our hearts and your story carries on. Watch after us as we travel this world because we will forever carry you in our hearts! I love you little brother DO NOT EVER FORGET THAT!

    • Many many nights and days you helped with all the kids around the block. I will never forget you helping me and mine. Love you 💘

  2. Little Roy’s candle burned out long before his memory ever will
    So many great memories of my boys laughing playing having a good time
    My heart breaks for you Kim and for your family
    Much Love and many Prayers ❤

  3. This candle is for you because. You always lite up my life now and always. You are and always will have my heart..
    Jesus won this fight not Satan…
    I love you..

  4. You left us too soon!! But you will love the place GOD has made for you. We will miss you. Thank GOD for memories , so we can always keep you alive in our hearts ❤️

  5. Roy, I looked up to you so much when I was younger . You always treated me like the older brother I never had throughout the many summers I stayed with your sister in your home . You will never be forgotten 🙏🏻

  6. I’m at a loss for words right now. I’m going to miss giving you a hard time and yelling hey Roy, and we flip each other off and laugh so hard about it. I’m going to miss our talks and reminiscing about some great times. You’ll always be in my heart and forever missed. Hey Roy, I love you!!! See you again on the other side

    Aunt Kim

  7. God, I pray that You send peace and comfort to a family I hold so dear to my heart. Comfort them Lord like only You can. Kim, you are the best mom, never doubt that, you were a constant support, and his first true love. He loved his momma. Samantha there’s nothing like a brother, some will never know that bond, but for the ones who experience it, we know all to well just how beautiful and unbreakable it is, and even now it will never end. Shelby, what a wonderful job and ever constant support you have been. You loved him as your own, no questions. You were always there. Roy knew you always had his back. To all the rest of the family my heart breaks with you all and I pray God comforts all of you, as you move on into a different journey of life.

  8. Roy you were my first love in elementary school and I still remember the necklace and flowers you gifted me. You had such a warm and caring heart and would help anyone in need. You were an absolute goofball and that’s what drew people to you. I will see you again, in this lifetime and the next🤍

  9. Big brother,
    You are my ride or die. There was no protector like you. You have taught me how to fight, laugh and love I learned so much from you growing up and realizing your not here anymore is one thing you didn’t teach me. I will carry you with me everyday. I love you most.

  10. You were so amazing and sweet towards me. Who cares if Florida has a lot of sand 🙂 You seriously knew how to make me laugh and smile when I was feeling down. Thank you for being my friend, I will never forget you!! I Love you and I Miss You!!!!

  11. Roy, honestly I don’t even really know where to begin….Over the past 9 years me and you have really formed a tighter bond and i will always cherish those memories we share in my heart. We had plenty of serious conversations about life and struggles; and it made me understand you 100000 times more. Thenk you for letting me in and trusting me enough to share those things with me. You always reminded me on my bad days that its just a bad day, and not a bad life, to keep going and to keep trying, to breathe.….you were a big brother to me. A wonderful friend. I’m going to miss you tackling me to the ground and squeezing me to the point i couldnt breathe everytime we saw eachother again….those embraces were always full of love. Our movie nights on Aunt Kims couch, laughing so loud we probably woke the house up. But we didnt care. (Sorry Kim lol) You were a man with a big heart, a big smile, who traveled a difficult road but you handled it with grace. Hug my daddy for me, i’m sure him and grandpa are so happy you are Home now. Now you can look Jesus in the face and have the peace you’ve been so long looking for. I’ll see you again Cuz. Its never goodbye only see you later. 🤟

  12. Roy, there was never a time when I saw you that you didn’t have anything other than a smile and a hug to give! Your body and battle is no longer on this earth, however your kind and gentle spirit will forever remain. Continuing prayers for your mom, sister and all of your family and friends. 💛

  13. Kim, Roy, and Shelby, prayers for all of you. Please know how much we love y’all and will be here if or when needed. Always. What I learned the other evening, although tragic and sad, ultimately, is a blessing in that he is now with our God, safe and secure forever. RIP Roy. We love you. Friends forever!

  14. We have many Fond memories of little Roy and he will be missed. Sending love, hugs & prayers to you, Samantha, Shelby & Big Roy.

  15. Roy, I’m so thankful that I was blessed to know you and your family. I’ve looked at you as a little brother for the past 6+ years and I will miss your warm genuine smile and the ability to make me laugh in the midst of my problems. Thank you for letting me get to know you!

  16. Our thoughts and prayers are with you everyday, wishing you strength. We made a donation to Alyssa’s Place in Gardner, MA in memory of Roy. Alyssa’s Place provides support to individuals in recovery and loved ones affected by addiction. Alyssa was my daughters friend who lost her life to drug addiction in 2013. There are no struggles in heaven, Rest In Peace.


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