Roy Paul Westmoreland

roy westmoreland

October 11, 1940 ~ May 12, 2019

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

Roy Paul Westmoreland, also known as “Windy,” RP, Gramps, and Roy Paul, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 12, 2019, at Pisgah Manor in Candler, NC.

He was born on October 11, 1940, to Dorothy Elise and Roy Paul Westmoreland. After spending 11 years at Eliada Home, he attended Erwin High School, where he loved to play football. After graduating in 1958, he joined the Air Force. When he was discharged, he started working for Enka Corporation. Later, he worked for Union Carbide in Knoxville, TN, before returning home to work at Farnum Manufacturing. His last years before retirement were spent working for the Department of Social Services, taking care of others; something he liked most.

Roy lived life compassionately and jokingly as he always had something witty to say and he loved to make others laugh. He also loved all types of sports, NASCAR and history. He was an avid reader and at any given time he could give you specific dates and places of where so many events took place. During the holidays, he always looked forward to helping the needy and he continued throughout his life donating to and volunteering for Eliada Home.

Music was a large part of his life. He sang in the church choir as a young man, and he sang around the house all the time. His musical tastes ran the gamut from Hank Williams, Sr. to classical. If there was a crooner in the 1950s, Roy could imitate him. And he could whistle any tune, no matter how complex.

Christmas was his favorite holiday and he was ecstatic when he was finally allowed to keep his Christmas tree up all year. He was in his sixties at the time. His second favorite holiday was Halloween and he showed his grandkids how to skillfully carve pumpkins over the years. This is a skill that most of them have carried on to this day.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Elise; wife, Eleanor; and brother, Howard Harris. He is survived by his brother, Dick Allen (Judy) and sisters, Maye Wiggins and Susie Allen; sister-in-law, Susan Kirkpatrick (Fred); sons, Kevin Westmoreland (Amy), David Warren (Paula) and daughters, Tanya Eldredge (Jim) and Debbie Kuykendall; grandchildren, Amy Kuykendall (Phillip), Jill Kuykendall (Doug), Jessica Miller (Nathan), Jimmy Eldredge (Nicole), Spencer Eldredge, Matthew Westmoreland, Lauren Westmoreland and Alyssa Kate Eldredge; great-grandsons, Tripp Eldredge, Uriah Miller; great-granddaughters, Aubrey and Anna Kate Hollifield; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his long-time companion, Eunice Stewart.

Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave, Asheville NC, on Saturday, May 25, 2019. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of his life at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Mr. Ryan Jacobson. Private burial for family and friends will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Eliada Home, 2 Compton Drive, Asheville, NC 28806.

Services

Memorial Service: May 25, 2019 3:00 pm

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

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

Visitation: May 25, 2019 2:00 pm - March 29, 2024 3:00 pm

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

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

Inurnment: May 25, 2019 4:00 pm

Forest Lawn Memorial Park
1498 Sand Hill Road
Candler, NC 28715

828-667-8715

Air Force Veteran

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Guestbook

  1. I worked with Roy at DSS and he was always so pleasant, had some wonderful stories to share and could light up the room with his smile. If you were having a bad day, he would turn it into a good day for you. He would bring a large bag of M&M’s in and put them out into a big bowl, the word would get out and everyone in the agency would come by and get a handful of them. Roy had such a big heart for the clients that he transported daily and they loved him. May God bless the family members, cherish your memories until you meet again.

  2. Any time spent with Roy Paul Westmoreland was always a blast. RP seemed to have an interesting story for every occasion, just waiting to be shared with all sorts of details and always a touch of humor.
    I grew up with Kevin Westmoreland at Biltmore Elementary back in the early 1970s, and had lots of fun at Reed St with Kevin, Tanya, and their wonderful mom Lois.
    Spending time with Kevin and RP was always an adventure. RP was always so passionate about sports and I believe that I got my love of baseball from him.
    I’m so glad that Roy’s desire to help people in need has been passed down to Kevin and to so many of his family and friends. We will miss Roy, but continue to celebrate his impact on so many lives.

  3. EUNICE AND I HAVE SPOKEN SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL PERSON, ROY PAUL , AND HOW HE HAS PUT HER ON says:

    LUZ AND DON GALANTE, INDIANAPOLIS, IN.

  4. I have known Eunice for nearly 50 years and I never heard of her speak so highly of any person. She is really high on Roy, from their new home on top of a mountain in Asheville. We could no get her to come down to visit with us, she wanted to be with Roy and that is fine. Their is no doubt, Roy and I would have been friends because we share many of the good values in life. I now regret I never had the chance to meet him personally. As for Eunice, wishing her he best in the future and I hope she does not hesitate to contact many of her friends who admire her at US Airways.

  5. I am so sorry to hear this. I have so many great childhood memories that involved him. He was truly a great man with a big heart . Even as I have grown into an adult I would see him out and he would always show that big smile and give a big hug and spend some time catching up on things. Family please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

  6. Rest in peace my sweet friend! May God wrap his loving arms around the family and give them comfort. I shall never see a fireworks display without thinking of our RP.

  7. Kevin and family,
    So sorry for your loss of your dear loved one.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
    Sincerely,
    Myra Ramsey

  8. Kevin and family,
    So sorry for your loss of such a wonderful, happy person.
    He will be forever in our memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you
    and your family during this difficult time.

  9. I remember Roy well he was my little Coach many years at Biltmore Elementary School thinking of family at this time

  10. To Tina, Jeanna, Butch and Trish ; I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Roy’s passing. I only met him once at one of your weddings and really enjoyed spending time with him.

  11. I consider it a great privilege to have had Roy as a brother-in-law and friend for so many years. He was truly a great man and Eleanor was blessed to have him by her side. All the good times and happy memories our families have shared made life so much richer and will stay with me throughout my life.
    Roy’s love for all of our children was such a blessing and I can’t tell you how many photos he’s taken or how many Easter eggs he has hidden over the years but he loved every minute of it! His presence made even the most ordinary day more special.
    There will always be an empty spot in our lives without this special man who was loved so very much by all but I know, thanks to God, he is 100% restored and back to the man we know and love. Love you all.

    Susan Kirkpatrick & Family

  12. Kevin and family – I was blessed to meet this very special man at an Eliada Home event. His story and the way he shared it was life changing for me. My life is richer for meeting him. His outlook and common sense are legacy gifts… with my deepest sympathy, Mark Collins (& Georgie White)

  13. I never met Roy Paul but I heard a lot about him from my good friend Eunice Stewart. When I saw his photo
    and read about him, listened to Eunice, I am sure if I ever did meet him we would be good friends. I communicate with Eunice by e-mail most almost all of he time as we have become the best of pen pals.
    May Roy Paul rest in peace. Don Galante


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