Roy Lee Lynch, a cherished family patriarch and friend, passed away on April 3, 2024. His was a full life, brimming with the love he gave to all around him and the love he received in return.

He was born to Luther Beclarence Lynch and Lelia Mae Harper Lynch in Enfield, N.C., on Sept. 15, 1939. He attended local schools, graduating from Eastman High School in 1957.

Roy’s pursuit of better career opportunities led him to New Jersey. After serving his country in the U.S. Army, he worked as a chemical tech with Fisher Scientific and retired after 30 years with Allied Chemical (which later became Mobay) in Haledon, N.J. A licensed barber for more than three decades, Roy was also a customer favorite at Quince’s Barbershop, where he occasionally provided free services to those in need.

His community service was well known in the Paterson, N.J., area. He was active in the Young Men of Paterson, instilling positivity through his love of sports (He was a member of the Cowboys Nation) and athleticism (His abilities as a runner and multi-sport player made him a local legend).

Roy worked at several other N.J. companies over the years, including Sears & Roebuck, the USA Today and The Bergen Record production facility, First Student, Medical Equipment Transport, and Paterson Printing. When he returned to his native North Carolina in 2007, he worked in auxiliary services at Moses Cone Hospital, where his big smile and warm personality brought comfort to many.

In retirement, Roy found more time for the things he loved – reading, working out at the local Y, family functions, and watching T.V. court shows, including his “girlfriends,” Judge Milian on “The People’s Court” and Judge Judy. His friend in the afternoon was Judge Mathis. An avid sports fan, he stayed glued to ESPN as well. Roy also indulged in his love of gardening, tending to his own patch of land and patches at community gardens. He shared his harvest freely with others.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Lelia, sisters Idella Lynch and Betty Lynch-Daughtry, and grandson Kristopher Lynch.

The many left to cherish his memory include his children: Tammy Bryant, Sybil Lynch-Newman, Bashir (Cici) Ali, and Jon-Rodney (Madeline) Lynch; his grandchildren: Cory Bryant, Tanasia Bryant, Kyla Ali, Qadri Ali, Sybil S. Lynch (Matt), JR Lynch, Lilah Lynch, and bonus grandkids — Eddie Gonzalez, Suleima Gonzalez, and Samantha Gonzalez; great-grandchildren: Nadia Walker, Mylo Green, Khali Bryant, Logan Lee Velez and Cavin Moore Velez and Enzo Roy; siblings: Doris Nichols, Raji Abdus Salaam, Joan Malloy, Patsy Lynch, and Elaine Pitt; and his former wife, Willie Mae Lynch. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, family, and lifelong friends, with whom he had wonderful relationships and cherished moments.

As word of his passing spread, Roy’s family has been moved by the many stories people have shared with them. Young people have said Roy was a caring role model; neighbors recalled that if they needed anything, he was always just a phone call away; and others have shared how Roy went out of his way to help them or to simply just encourage them.

For the family, these stories are further testament to a purposeful life well-lived.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 26 at noon at East White Oak Missionary Baptist Church, 1815 Water St., Greensboro, N.C., 27406. Attendees are encouraged to wear the blue, gray, and white of the Dallas Cowboys, including jerseys and other team apparel.

Perry J. Brown Funeral Home is overseeing the service and cremation.