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FRANKLIN – Roy Timothy Denson, 77, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday evening, March 22, 2023 with his loving wife Emma at his side.

Roy was born on March 5, 1946, to a large and loving family. In Roy’s passing, he has been reunited with his family that predeceased him – parents Enos and Lillie Mae Denson, sisters Nancy Denson, Gloria Bull, Estelle Dundalow and brother, Jack Denson, along with a host of extended family and friends.

When Roy graduated from Southampton High School, he was already dating his future bride of nearly 56 years, Emma Louise Caulder. Not long after their wedding vows, Roy began working at Union Camp Paper Mill in Franklin, along with serving on the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department. He and Emma built a loving life together including welcoming their daughter, Tina Marie. Roy worked at Union Camp for 38 years; he was a hard worker and maintained a strict schedule of shift work for the entirety of his career. Roy enjoyed Sundays at Black Creek Baptist Church along with singing in the choir.

Anyone who knew Roy knows his love of a good joke and making others laugh. His “love language” was poking fun at those he loved, whether during a card game, on the golf links or when fishing… no occasion was off limits. Despite Roy’s great love of golfing, he came home more than once to threaten to quit over a bad round (which any avid golfer can understand). Roy rooted for the Washington Nationals, but his favorite sports team was undoubtedly the Washington Redskins. Despite Washington’s less than stellar record, Roy continued to hope for the best at the start of each season.

Roy is survived by wife, Emma Louise; their daughter, Tina Marie, along with her husband, Mike and their son, Joe; sisters, Mary Coburn, Bertha McCrady, Betty Eason, Bobby Cottle and Chris Blythe. There were many things that Roy loved in life – his devoted wife Emma and daughter Tina – but nothing matched the connection and love of his grandson, Joseph Timothy. Even on his most difficult days, Roy’s face lit up when he saw his grandson. Roy, or “Papa” to Joe, would sneak lollipops into his pocket on days they would visit, or tuck a $5 bill in his cap for Joe to find. Roy was the proudest Papa, showing pictures and videos to anyone that would look.

Family and friends can say goodbye to Roy at a graveside celebration of his life that will be held on Sunday, March 26, at 4 p.m., led by the Rev. Richard Inman in Southampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you choose to donate to the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department or the American Heart Association.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org