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GREENSBORO – Royce Carlton Blowe of Greensboro, NC died peacefully on Sunday, March 13, 2022. He was born and reared in St. John’s Township, Hertford County, NC to William Carlton Blowe and Bertha Futrell Blowe (both deceased). He was predeceased by one brother, Charles Robert Blowe; and three sisters, Marion Joyner, Cora Mae Eagles, and Dana Blowe. He is survived by one sister, Annie Rae Hall of Colerain, NC.

Royce loved school and was a distinguished graduate of the class of 1963 at Ahoskie High School. He was a member of the Honor Society, a sports reporter for area newspapers, and a member of the yearbook staff. Royce won academic awards and scholarships. He worked part-time after school. As a result of good grades and hard work, Royce was the first member of his family to attend a university.

Alas, he was drafted into the Army, sent to Vietnam, in the Big Red One and assigned to the Artillery. He fought on a gun crew where he endured nearly relentless bombardment. His hearing was permanently impaired. This disabling injury altered his job path and employment opportunities. After an honorable discharge, he worked as a retail manager in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. He worked in retail management to pay student loans. He was readmitted to Appalachian State University and earned a BA in French. Striving to work for the benefit of other disabled veterans, he enrolled into ASU grad school majoring in Psychology. He met his best friend forever, bridge partner, and sidekick, Rosalie Fallon Hanley. The Blowes created a rock solid marriage. They relocated to Greensboro where Royce worked as an employment counselor, specializing in jobs for disabled veterans. He retired after 28 years in counseling because of his hearing, and they returned to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Royce happily pursued his first and most seductive passion – duplicate bridge. The thrill of playing bridge led him to travel throughout the nation competing in tournaments and winning thousands of points and achieving a high level of status.

For extra fun, Royce and Rosalie taught the complex game to hundreds of serious players. Their witty teaching style combined original classes and laughter to enthusiastic players both in Greensboro and Blowing Rock. Royce’s smiles and clever jokes made him a popular personality. He acquired the nickname, The Breeze. Royce embodied the spirit of generosity and kindness. His humor was rare and sometimes quirky. His big heart comforted friends and strangers.

There will be no formal service. His friends and family hope that a Royce Rally will form, and friends will tell Royce Stories and laugh.

The family acknowledges friends who helped whenever needed, especially Allen Smith and Keith Jefcoat who came to the rescue whenever needed. Dear friend and caregiver Jerry Cartwright managed their lives with his commitment to care for Royce and Rosalie. He went way beyond to make their lives run smoothly.