Roy Eugene Eldreth

Roy Eugene Eldreth, age 67, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Born October 22, 1945, Roy was the oldest child of the late Gene Eldreth and the late Vada Starnes Eldreth. He was born in Harrisburg, PA and grew up in Todd, N.C. He graduated from Beavercreek High School in 1964 where he wrestled and played football. In 1965 he chose to enlist in the Army. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Benning, GA. He was later a member of the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY before being deployed to Vietnam in October 1967.
He married Nancy Salmons Eldreth 46 years ago just before going to Vietnam. His son was born while he was deployed and after returning home in late 1968, his daughter was born in 1970. Roy worked for Kern's Bakery for 32 years and Utility Trailer for 13 years before retiring. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Linda Eldreth and a brother, Harold Eldreth.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Salmons Eldreth; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Shannon Eldreth of Mendota, VA; his daughter, Tammy Taylor of Abingdon, VA; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Sandy Eldreth of Bristol, TN; grandchildren, Senior Airman Matthew Taylor of Minot, ND and JoAnn Taylor of Honaker, VA; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, May 18, 2013, at Big Flats Baptist Church in Fleetwood, NC with Minister Randy Taylor and Pastor Tim Jones officiating. Music will be provided by Pastor Sammy Vickers. Interment with military honors provided by Ashe County Veterans Honor Guard will follow in Big Flats Baptist Church Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be employees of Kern's Bakery, Utility Trailer, and Super Dollar.
Visitation with the family will be held 6-8 P.M. Friday at the Main Street location of Farris Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Roy Eldreth Memorial Fund, 452 Summers St., Abingdon, VA, 24210. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuenralservice.com and signing the online guestbook.
The family of Mr. Eldreth is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).