Roy Jackson Grayson Obituary
ROY JACKSON GRAYSON OBITUARY
Roy Jackson Grayson of Greenville, South Carolina was born on Saturday, December 23rd, 1944 in Reidville, South Carolina, to the late Callie Grayson Jackson and Will Smith. Roy willingly and peacefully answered God's call to end his earthly journey in the late evening of Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 at Prisma Health Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca, SC. He was predeceased by his mother (2014) and father, as well as his brother, John Henry Grayson (2010) and sister, Emma Henrietta Grayson (2017).
As a young boy, Roy attended parochial schools in Spartanburg County, SC, and then later moved with his family to Greenville County, SC, where they settled. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1963. Not long after graduation, in 1965, Roy voluntarily enlisted in the military and was accepted into the United States Air Force. During his military career, he served dutifully, with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, as an Aircraft Mechanic on various Air Force bases throughout the world, including Vietnam. After six years of military service and miraculous survival during his tours in Vietnam, Roy ended his military career, in 1971, by honorable discharge, but his service to others continued.
Throughout his life, Roy eagerly served others and was well known, for his generosity and willingness to provide assistance whenever he could. In his childhood, he loved to carve wooden toys, for his siblings and others to play with. Then, in his adult years, he used his skills as a carpenter and builder to help others create and build customized items for their homes and businesses. He also was a skilled mechanic, electrician and plumber and was known to have the ability to make and fix anything. In addition, until his last day, he faithfully and consistently served the underserved and offered, food, clothing, shelter and money to anyone who came to him in need. In addition to his skills and generosity, Roy was also known as an extremely hard worker who took pride in every job he performed. He continued working up until a few months before his final day on earth. Roy was most importantly a man of faith, a Christian and lover of God. His life reflected that he did all things for the glory and pleasure of his Father. He would often express that God gave him everything he had, so he in turn always sought to give of his blessings to others.
The memories of Roy’s journey on this earth will live on and be forever cherished by his surviving family, including his daughter and son: Pareasa Stevens Alonzo (Michael) of Atlanta, GA, Roderick Terrill Butler of Warner Robbins, GA; his grandchildren: Akilah Butler of Columbia, SC, Kellan Butler, Roderick Butler Jr. of Simpsonville, SC; his brothers and sister: George Grayson (Gloria), Susan Irby Davis, Robert Irby of Greenville, SC; and many nieces, nephews, additional family and close friends.
A Memorial Service for Roy will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 1:00pm by Upstate Family Funeral Services, at the Brown Funeral Chapel, on 506 Arlington Avenue, Greenville, SC 29601.
