Deacon Roy Hunter Rector, 95, affectionately known as "June," born July 14, 1924 in Duncan, South Carolina, the only child of the late Leroy Rector and Ellen Hunter Rector, moved to Winston-Salem at the age of five where he attended the public schools, graduating from Atkins High School in 1942. He attended "Hampton Institute" now Hampton University and was drafted into the military services during World War II with basic training in Camp Lee, Virginia for 1 -1/2 years before being honorably discharged in 1947 in Sacramento, California.

Prior to August 29, 2019, Roy had been transferred from various Senior Living Communities in attempts to receive solace that mankind offered his arthritic body; but on Thursday evening he was transitioned to a Heavenly Body. Roy was a lifetime member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, received Jesus as Lord and Savior, and was Baptized under the ministry of J.S. Reid. Roy was a great outdoorsman; he especially loved the summer months where he could take pride in beautifying the lawn; his feeling was that no one could mow the lawn like him. He was a sports enthusiast, especially the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Steelers; he was also a fan of the Dodgers and the Lakers.

"Bro-Rec" as he was sometimes called, enjoyed spiritual singing and listening to gospel quartets. Roy loved spending time with in-laws in their homes at birthday dinners; he enjoyed interacting with people. He was always there to assist and give words of encouragement or humor as only "he" knew how. He would lift our spirits and keep us laughing with his sometimes unwanted advice and wisdom. His love was sincere, and he did acts of mercy with genuine cheerfulness; he contributed to the needs of others, especially the elderly in his neighborhood.

He was employed with A&P in the produce department for 34 years, was Liberty Foods Produce Manager for 4 years, Sears Roebuck & Company for 14 years in the maintenance department, and at Nolan Company and William Shelf janitorial services for a number of years.

Roy wore many hats and served in different capacities. In the past he was a Sunday School teacher, Church Secretary, Financial Secretary, purchasing agent for the Kitchen Committee and was a member of the Men's Choir. He participated as Captain in special activities at Calendar Teas. He was Captain for the Spiritual Choir, a member of the Layman League of Sunday School Class #1 and of the Cathedral Choir. He received numerous recognitions, plaques, and awards which include: 1982 – Recognized as the "Man of the Year" and "Man of the Year by the Men's Council" in 2007. In 1994 – Recognized as the "Oldest active male member" for untiring dedication and service. In 1996 – Certificate of Recognition, 50 year membership and dedicated service to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ under Pastor S.E. Tyndall. In 1999 – The Mass Choir presented the Cathedral Edifice for his faithfulness. In 2001 – "Oldest Male Member". In 2013 – Recognition of Outstanding and Dedication Service as Spiritual Choir Member of the month under the leadership of Pastor Stacey Frazier and music director Pastor Kevin Gibson. In 2016 – "Oldest Living Father" certificate of achievement. In 2017 – "Father Figure" of the year. In 2018- Certificate of Appreciation for 50 years of service.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years Hilda B. Rector; daughters, Sherri of Galax, Virginia, Romenthia of Hickory, NC and Mrs. Elvonia Durham (Edward); grandchildren, Jurone and Javon Taylor;  and one brother-in-law, Winfred Belo of High Point, NC. Roy has many more special sons and daughters who call him daddy and Papa Roy; even the small children who look forward to the candy in his pocket on Sunday mornings; also, the devoted ones who saw that he got to church and back home as his devoted buddies and chauffeurs.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church with Minister Gilbert Banks officiating and Rev. Kevin Gibson eulogist. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Thursday at the Church.