Obituary of Roy Lorraine Templeton

Roy Lorraine “Logan” Templeton, age 87, of West Jefferson, Ashe County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully, Tuesday evening, March 27, 2018 at Ashe Memorial Hospital.

A celebration of his life is planned on the anniversary of Roy’s birth, Saturday, June 9th, 2018. A graveside memorial service will be held at the Wiles Family Cemetery, Colonel Francis Road, Crumpler, North Carolina, beginning at 2:00 PM. Pastor Steve LeShomb will officiate. All who knew and loved Roy are welcome to attend.

Roy loved his grandkids, cigars, airplanes, building model airplanes and motorcycles. He was a man of many talents and interests, he never stopped reading and learning.

Roy was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina, June 9, 1929 to Roy Lee Templeton and Bessie Grigg Templeton. He was the youngest of five siblings.

Roy graduated from J.W. Cannon High School in June, 1947. He enlisted in the United States Army in August, 1947 – June, 1950 and re-enlisted in February, 1951 - January, 1953. He was dutied as an intercept radio operator stationed in Europe.

Upon his return to civilian life, Roy married “the girl next door”, Emma Rhumel Wiles. They married on June 25, 1955 at Trinity Methodist Church in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

Roy attended North Carolina State University from 1954 - 1958, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Roy’s career led him to various venues around the world, working in private industry and as a civil servant, including, North American Aviation, Lockheed Martin Orlando, Sperry Gyroscope, US Army Corp of Engineers, Department of Defense ECAC, McDonnell Aircraft Company (F-15 Weapons Systems), and finally retiring from Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, Georgia in 1989.

Preceding Roy in death was his wife of 57 years, Emma Rhumel Wiles Templeton, who passed March 27, 2013, and his son, Kyle Wayne Templeton; his parents Roy and Bessie; his brother and sisters, Verna Bruton, Sidney Chapman, Macie McGuire, Merleene McQueen and Margie Benfield.

Surviving family include - a daughter, Kim Marie Templeton (Jefferson, NC) and fiancé, Dennis R. Pardue, granddaughters, Amber Noelle Sheets, Ashley Nicole Sheets and Jessica Sheets Mikael; a son, Philip K. Templeton (Raleigh, NC) and wife, Suzanne K. Templeton, granddaughter, Gabriella “Gabi” Templeton and grandson, Max Templeton; daughter in law, Merilee H. Templeton (Byron, GA) and grandson, John Henry Templeton. Also surviving are four special great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Words cannot begin or clearly express, how we will miss our Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Friend – affectionately “Papaw Logan.”

Special thanks are conveyed to caregiver Lynn Bare Jenkins, truly an angel on earth; the staff of Ashe Memorial Hospital and Medi Home Health & Hospice, for providing special care to Roy, kindness and patient guidance to his family. Condolences can be mailed to: 150 West Landing Drive, Jefferson, North Carolina 28640.