Royce Emory Jr.

Royce Vincent Emory Jr., 76, of Cedar Island passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at his home.

Royce dedicated much of his life to working on the water. He spent two years with the North Carolina Ferry Division and three years with Norfolk Dredging Co. before becoming a commercial fisherman, a profession he pursued until he was no longer able to work. His deep connection to a way of life on the water defined much of his life and livelihood. He loved nothing more than to ride out in the boat to spot a mullet and drop a net. Picking fish was only made better if he had company with him, often the younger generation, so he could teach them the tricks of the trade. Like a true fisherman he would only share his best fishing spots with those who were closest to him, sometimes even telling his son Vince he talked too much.

Royce was a dedicated member of Cedar Island Methodist Church and found his strength in his faith and community. He was a gentle soul who was known for his kind and forgiving nature. There was rarely a community gathering where he could not be found, holding court telling stories of life on Cedar Island and when he wasn’t telling stories; he was always with the children. He had a special way about him when it came to babies, they loved him. He would rock them to sleep on his broad chest and coo in their ears. As memories of his life are shared, it is especially touching having our friends and family—now raising their own children—talk about his love for their children, in the same way he once held and loved them.

Royce will be deeply missed by his family. He was a devoted husband having spent 57 years in love with his wife Donna. He was a faithful father, who loved his two children, Lori, and Vince with all his heart. When he became Papa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he felt like his life was complete. No longer able to go on the water, his new passion was time spent with them.

While his health failed him in his last years, his spunk never did. He still had that mischievous twinkle in his baby blue eyes, he was very aware of everything happening on the island, and he loved to have company sit with him on the porch.

His presence will be missed by all of those who knew and loved him. Big Man held a BIG place in all of our hearts; he loved us, told us he loved us, and always took the time to listen and talk.

A memorial service will be held later this spring.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna Styron Emory of Cedar Island; daughter, Lori Emory Hill of Atlantic; son, Vince Emory and wife, Jessica of Cedar Island; grandson, Caleb Mendoza of Atlantic Beach; granddaughter, Alexis Bent and husband, Joseph of New Bern; grandson, Vann Styron of Cedar Island; two great granddaughters, Bella Mendoza of Atlantic; Love Bent of New Bern; two sisters, Elaine Styron of Cedar Island; Karen Smith and husband, Rodney of Cedar Island; brother, Robert Emory and wife, Debbie of Cedar Island. Cousins, nieces, nephews, and so many friends and neighbors are also a part of his legacy and we would be remiss to leave them out. There are too many to name, but you know who you are.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Royce and Gloria Emory and his twin infant siblings.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.