KENLY – Roy Walton Mozingo, 82, of Kenly passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023 at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. Walton was born in Johnston County on December 5, 1940 to the late Roy Bunyan Mozingo and Irene Daughtry Mozingo. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Judy Johnson Mozingo.
Walton was raised on a tobacco farm, and due to the encouragement of the high school agriculture teacher he pursued higher education at NC State after graduating from Princeton High School, where he was voted Most Likely To Succeed. At State he earned a Bachelor’s Degree, graduating with Honors, and a Master’s Degree while working full time.
After College he was hired by Virginia Tech University to start a research program from the ground up, that evaluated peanut varieties supplied by Virginia Tech and NC State. That program was revered by the peanut industry, which resulted in Walton winning numerous National Awards for his research and contributions to the peanut industry, such contributions as serving as President of the American Peanut Research and Education Society. The data his research accumulated was invaluable to not only the scientific community, but to all peanut farmers as well. Thus making it truly universal in its merit. His hard work resulted in his being promoted to a Professor position at Virginia Tech.
He was active in Holland Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and was Sunday School Director. He coached baseball, basketball and football little league teams, touching the lives of numerous children. He was involved in various civic groups, including the Holland Ruritan Club, where he served as President. After retirement, he returned to his boyhood home and farmed the same fields his Father spent his life providing our nation with food. He again joined a local church and served on its Deacon Board, joining various committees including providing condolence meals, serving the congregation and local community.
Additionally, he helped with the construction of home accessibility ramps where needed. He enjoyed his later years traveling with his beloved wife, Judy, and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up.
Walton is survived by his son, R. W. Mozingo II (Laura) of Olathe, Kansas; daughter, Karen Mozingo Collings (Richard) of Greensboro; grandchildren, (R. W.’s Children) – Alec Mozingo (Kaitlyn), Tessa Mozingo, Trinity Mozingo, Nic Mozingo, Gabe Mozingo, Katherine Mozingo, and Calvin Mozingo; (Karen’s Children) – Kimberly Oliver and Brianna Oliver; great grandchildren, (R. W.’s Grandchildren) – Benson and Madie Mae Mozingo; sister, Shirley Mozingo Banks of Winterville; Dee and Chain Chinnis; many nieces and nephews and special friends, Ed and Judy Little.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Casey Funeral Home and Cremations.
The funeral will be held in the chapel of Casey Funeral Home and Cremations on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 6:00pm, with Reverend Eugene Worley and Reverend Curtis Rains officiating. The private committal will be held in the Hephzibah Baptist Church Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741; or Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.caseyfh.com.
