Roy Lee Sewell Jr. was a true example of what it means to live authentically. In his 27 years, he figured out what mattered and valued what it meant to be a true example of loyalty and love. Roy was involved in his community as a young boy by participating in the Boy Scouts, something he was proud of until he passed. As a teenager, he was involved in the Tri-State Youth Choir, where he would give his life to the Lord and meet his future wife.

He joined North Tazewell Volunteer Fire Department at 18, when his neighbor’s house caught fire in the middle of the night. He felt that this was his duty to the community. He took his position as a first responder with pride. He went on to serve for almost ten years at North Tazewell VFD. Roy joked that maybe one day he would be chief. He would answer the call, day or night. This was how he lived his life, personally and professionally. If anyone needed him, he would be there as soon as he could.

Roy Lee was a proud family man. He was married to the love of his life for nearly five years, and they were together for twelve. Together, they have a beautiful three-year-old daughter who has the same spirit and zest for life that he did. He was proud of “his girls” and was extremely excited to welcome his baby boy into the world. His son decided to come into the world on Father’s Day, a true honor to his dad. If Roy wasn’t at work or at the fire department, you could guarantee that he was having a family day that would end with a steak from Texas Roadhouse and an ice cream cone. He made time for those he cared about, whether it was a quick game on the Xbox or a longer game of Wheel and Deal. Regardless of what he was doing or who he was with, he took the time to enjoy it.

Roy was known for singing everywhere he went, especially while working as a digital team lead at the local Walmart. He would often be loud enough to hear from aisles over. If you were lucky enough to run into him, he would likely spend the next 10-20 minutes talking to you, and an extra five minutes cheering you up if you were having a rough day. Rarely would you leave a conversation with Roy that you weren’t smiling. After all, his goofy grin was contagious.

Roy is missed more than words could ever describe. Tennessee is a little quieter and a little less bright after he had his final call. However, his legacy lives through his kids, his family, those at North Tazewell, and anyone else who had the pleasure of meeting him.