Our prayers and thoughts are with Roy's family and friends

Roy applied his love and concern as liberally and as often as barbecue sauce, in large and small gestures. As noted, he made time for others and was generous with his resources. Whether it was inviting me into their ( Debbie , too!) home to prevent a lonely Christmas, or making a detour to take his niece and nephew to dog field trials in Georgia, he always made that extra effort, drove those extra miles, or had that flashlight, shirt, etc. that was needed. 
When traveling for work, finding himself nearby, he would always invite me to visit in some way.  Once in Atlanta, when I was quite pregnant ( got some looks) , and more recently after a consultation in NH, we had several days of touring Downeast Maine, sharing LLBean, numerous favorite potteries, and coastal sites. And LOBSTER! He loved it so much!  Later I figured out the most efficient way to provide his favorite lunch at Brookdale, and to get my favorite smile!!
Well Roy, you have made my life better, richer, 
Whenever there is a flashlight, Yellow Lab, or lobster, I will think of you, my dear brother. 
And I can “be, because he existed.”( credit M. Angelou) 
And I will never forget the white calf skin loafers you wore to my 1971 graduation!

When I think of uncle Roy I remember his warm smile more than anything. That coupled with him always being eager to learn and hear about new things, his insatiable hunger for learning always stood out to me as exemplary.

I remember as well how considerate of others that he was. One memory I have was a trip I went on with him and a few other family members to go target shooting. I remember being too young to sit still and really enjoy the activity (sitting still was not my forte back then.)

The thing that stands out the most vividly to me was Uncle Roy being the only one there to check in and see how I was doing. He would always look back with a warm smile and ask “How are you doing back there? You ok?” It was this consideration of others that I witnessed whenever I spent time with him. Always checking in, and so curious to see how things were going, or hear about your experiences.

On a different note, I am also so inspired by the work and legacy that Roy leaves behind. Being an advocate for the environment and sustainability is needed now more than ever, and I find the work he did towards those goals to be something that we can all learn from and strive to emulate.

I’m so grateful for the time I got to spend with Roy, he was such an inspiring person and I wish I had gotten to spend more time with him in recent years. I’m so proud to have had him as a much loved uncle. He will be sorely missed by myself, and most of all the his immediate family and siblings.

Love you uncle Roy. Go Wolfpack!

Debbie: Great memories of both you and Roy at Sigma Pi! Thoughts and Prayers and Gooberville
"Goat"

Debbie, Russ, and Ashley,

We are very saddened to hear of Roy's passing. He was a great man and a big part of the development into the man I am today. As I approach 52 years in life and reflect on the men that shaped me, Roy was absolutely one of them. As Russ and I spent time together from grade school, Roy was there. As a teenager when Russ and I carpooled to school, Roy was involved. During college when Russ and I were fraternity brothers, we would see Roy. We tailgated at Pack games and ate great BBQ off of his pit. When I graduated and Russ was in VA Beach, Roy and I took my boat to go fish for stripers with Russ. We helped him move in to his apartment. Those stripers we caught, and seemingly risked our lives for, turned in to striper chowder at Pollock's Ferry. I have so many memories of Roy (and Russ) at Pollock's Ferry. From Roy falling into thick ice water on a duck hunt to taking Russ to Roanoke Rapids hospital twice for stitches and having to explain ourselves. Russ and I learned from the old guard there about manhood, responsibility, and respect.

I know the last years have been tough. Certainly very tough at times. I also know that everything happens in God's time, for His purpose, and for His glory. I know in my heart that one of Roy's God given purposes was to be a positive influence in my life. He completed that purpose!  His influence in my life glorified God. There are few men that I would put in Roy's class. Roy lived this for me:  "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17  He made me a better man.

I  know he is home with his Father, waiting for all of us to see and rejoice in His presence when we are called. I look forward to seeing him again. I pray for peace and comfort for the living family and friends of Roy. I pray that the grief is minimal and the celebration of the man Roy. I pray that the grief is minimal and the celebration of the man Roy was is great.  Thank you God for Roy Carawan and his impact all of us!

I was sad to learn that Roy had passed. I was not a member of his department but collaborated with him on several projects during my time at NCSU. He was a scholar with a unique skill set. There were very few academic professionals worldwide that had his experience and knowledge. We were fortunate to have him on faculty at NCSU. Roy was also a 'people person', excellent communicator and educator. He will be missed and he leaves a global legacy of improved environmental food processing practices.

Roy and I grew up in a huge extended Carawan family.  His father and my father Thurman Evans were first cousins.  As adults we lost touch, but reconnected after we both retired.  A memory I shall cherish with Roy is standing in my kitchen in Belhaven sharing family history and stories all the while shucking and eating a peck of raw Rose Bay oysters. 
 Rest in peace, Yvonne Evans Deruiz, Belhaven, NC

About 2000 Visiting in Biltmore Forest
Roy, Dad , Mom,Bev, Mary Ellen

Since I was young, It was clear to me how much admiration my mother held for you. She looked up to you, your family, marriage, and all of your accomplishments,  as points of pride.  She’s a proud sis! 
She would always speak of you so highly and it modeled to us what an incredible sibling success story looked like. 
I know that much of your drive has been encouraged by your incredible partner in life and is so clearly reflected in your kids, but also myself and my brothers. 
There are so many points in my childhood being so excited for your red truck to appear in our driveway - not only because that meant Ashley was going to be there- but because of the warmth you and Aunt Debbie would bring. The moment you entered our house, the undertones of love would be amplified, respect and support were woven into every conversation. Those moments shaped my future. 
Whether your family leadership was developed by a sense of responsibility as the first born or if this was something that was just so natural, it doesn’t matter - because you “nailed it.” 
A favorite memory of mine is coming up to your house from college in Georgia- in desperate need of a bike rack for my car. It became THE mission. You went to every store you could think of trying to find one that would work with my spoiler. During an installation attempt, You opened my trunk and despite the tragic odor and explosion of shoes and clothes the first thing you exclaimed was, “Girl!? Where is your flashlight?!” I left your house with a flash light, a full belly of Carolina bbq with some to go in my passenger seat, and well, no bike rack. 
The man loved his flash lights and coolers. But nothing was quite like his love for family, now that, was something so fierce and beautiful.

Stay safe out there and don’t forget your flashlights.

Roy was a wonderfully unique individual. He had many ideas, many accomplishments, many stories to tell, and many friends. I am so glad I knew him!

Our deepest sympathy to Debbie and family.  We will remember 
Roy as a friendly neighbor who always had a smile.  God's blessings to the family.

OBITUARIO

Roy Eugene Carawan

9 junio, 1943 – 14 enero, 2024

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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