Roy W. Austin

Roy W. Austin, 73 of Waynesville, North Carolina, formerly of Blytheville, departed this earth to be with his Savior on Saturday, August, 2018 at the John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville, North Carolina.

Roy was born July 27th, 1945 to Rev. Jim P. and Dorothy Austin of Blytheville. He was a graduate of Blytheville High School, class of 1964. He served his country as a member of the National Guard.

Roy worked as a truck driver pretty much from the time he was tall enough to hold a steering wheel and reach the pedals. Over the course of his career, he has hauled everything from crops straight out of the field to general freight to oversize loads. There isn’t a stretch of interstate he hasn’t traveled in the continental U.S. He even had a few brushes with celebrity during his time on the road, having met Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynne on separate occasions, but the incident he was most fond of telling about occurred while employed by the Aeolian Piano Company. He delivered a very ornately decorated concert grand to Carnegie Hall where he was met by the owner of the piano, none other than the flamboyant virtuoso, Liberace. After a very pleasant conversation, Liberace told Roy, “You are such a darling truck driver.” That statement sort of summed Roy up in one sentence. He retired from the road in 2009.

Roy was often referred to as a “gentle giant”, as he stood 6’4” tall and was built like Hoss Cartright, yet he had a heart as big as a school bus and was always willing to help anyone who asked. He never met a stranger and could converse with anyone for hours on end. He was a fascinating storyteller with a knack for remembering the minutest of details. He will be dearly missed by his family and his many friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, a son Keith Austin, Sr, and a grandson, Keith “Buddy” Austin, Jr, and an infant brother, David Joe Austin.

He is survived by his three siblings, Linda Austin-Overman and husband Lewis of Waynesville, Vicki Forrest and husband Tim of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Stephen Austin and wife Shawna of Black Mountain, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 11:00 a.m. at White Oak Baptist Church, 7589 White Oak Road, Waynesville, NC, with Pastor Marty Nelson officiating.

Special thanks to the wonderful people at Autumn Care in Waynesville and the folks at The Solace Center in Asheville.

Crawford/Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for the Austin family.

In French, you don’t say “I miss you.” You say, “Tu me manques,” which means you are missing from me.