Roy “Bear” Edmisten, 61, of Aberdeen passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025 at his residence.
He was born in Moore County on February 28, 1964 to the late Grealy Eugene Edmisten and the late Julia Alice Hardy Edmisten.
Roy was affectionately known as “Bear” to his family and friends. He worked as a Deputy for the Moore County Sheriff’s Office for 28 years. He had a passion for the outdoors, woodworking, smoking meat, cooking and eating. He loved to sing the tunes of Conway Twitty and Elvis. He loved to make people laugh. He also loved to give you his big bear hug so you could feel his love, and he valued spending time with his family. He became a lover of animals and is survived by his Cocker Spaniel, Roscoe and three cats, Raven, Bella, and Emmie, he called “his girls.” He and his wife Tina met in 2006 and after a period of time reconnected and married. They were truly soulmates, shared a love for travel and lived life to the fullest. They were never apart from each other and served their Lord Jesus Christ together faithfully. Bear and Tina were members of Highland Baptist Church.
Bear is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Tina Berryhill Edmisten; children, Kevin Edmisten (Brittany Wagner), Amber Edmisten, Forest Edmisten (Margaret Reece), Julie Starling, Brad Dollahite (Heather Hunnicutt), Heather Dollahite (Billy Mize), Amanda Phelps (Brett Riley), Rachel Alphine (Chris), and John Phelps (Kristy Pilgrim); stepchildren, Justin Riley (Lisa), Jamie Morgan, Vanessa Riley, Amy Turley, Magan Jones (Hunter), and Samantha Watts (Matt); 25 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings, Garrett Lee Edmisten, Melisha Annette Townsend (Billy), and Janet Allyson Edmisten-King-Puerta (George), many nieces and nephews and other extended family, as well as many coworkers from the Moore County Sheriff’s Department and countless friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Grealy Eugene “Gene” Edmisten, Rodger Wayne Edmisten, and Gary Franklin Edmisten.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Boles Funeral Home, 425 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Southern Pines, NC 28387. A Celebration of Life, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Bill Vaughn will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Highland Baptist Church, 5587 US-1, Vass, NC 28394 and burial will follow at the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bear’s name be made to Highland Baptist Church Children’s Fund.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
