Roy Donald Dedmon

Roy Donald Dedmon, age 97, of 1511 McBrayer Springs Rd., Shelby, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on October 21, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born October 8,1925, a son of the late Thomas Lawson Dedmon and Verdie Horn Dedmon. He is survived by his son Rodney Kevin Dedmon, Sr., and wife, Myra Royster Dedmon; two grandsons Rodney Kevin Dedmon, Jr., wife Kristyn Funderburke Dedmon, Kristopher Charles Dedmon, wife Elizabeth McDaniel Dedmon; and three great grandsons, Roy Kixxon Dedmon, Kolton Wyatt Dedmon, and Korbin Loyd Dedmon, all of Shelby. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years Ruth Spangler Dedmon, brother Thomas Hal Dedmon, and sister Lou Jean D.Hamrick.

He was a veteran of the US Navy during World War II, having served in the South Pacific aboard the USS Raymond Van Brogan. Following his return from service, he and Ruth were married on New Year’s Day in 1949. He was a graduate of Fallston High School and Reppert School of Auctioneering in Decatur, Indiana. He was a professional auctioneer for many years. Prior to his retirement he conducted many real estate, livestock, farm machinery and other public and private sales in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.During the early 1950’s, Roy became interested in breeding and producing purebred Shorthorn cattle. Alongside son Rodney, he exhibited Shorthorns at many livestock shows and exhibits throughout the southeast, winning numerous awards. He served on a number of livestock boards, and committees at the county, state, and national level.

He served as the first President of the Cleveland County Cattlemen’s Association. In 1985, he received the American Shorthorn Builder of the Breed Award, presented by The American Shorthorn Association in Omaha, Nebraska. He is a member of both the NC State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame and the Cleveland County Cattlemen’s Hall of Fame. In 2001, Dedmon Shorthorns exhibited the Calf Champion Bull at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. Within the industry Roy made many special lifelong friendships. He served as a member of the NC State Highway Commission from 1969-1972, having been appointed by Gov. Bob Scott to represent Cleveland, Lincoln, Catawba, and Alexander Counties. In 2008, he was recognized by the Cleveland Soil and Water Conservation District for 34 years of service as a supervisor for the Cleveland County District, the last 10 of which he served as Chairman.

He was a member of the Shelby Planning and Zoning board, and also served as President of Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Cleveland County for a number of years until his retirement. In his later years Roy enjoyed spending his retirement with his family and friends,especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Until his health declined, you could always find Roy out and about on the farm, or in the community taking care of the things he loved.He was a lifelong member of Ross Grove Baptist Church, during which time he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, Chairman of the Trustees, and numerous other positions within the church.

A celebration of life service will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at Ross Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Marcus McGill officiating. Visitation will take place an hour before the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy.
Memorials may be made to: Ross Grove Baptist Church: 1225 Fallston Rd Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.
Guest registry is available at cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com