Roscoe Lee Townsend

On July 3, 2024, Roscoe Lee Townsend, age 80, of Banner Elk, NC passed away peacefully at The Foley Center in Blowing Rock after a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on February 18, 1944 to Arthur and Blanch Townsend, but moved shortly thereafter to Banner Elk where he became a lifelong resident of Avery County.

In his younger years, Roscoe was employed by the Exchange Store on the campus of Lees McRae College and Lecka Food Market in Banner Elk.

However, he is most notably remembered for working as a clerk at the Banner Elk Post Office for nearly 38 years where he provided dependable service and made countless friends along the way.

In addition to his jobs, Roscoe was a volunteer firefighter with the Banner Elk Fire Department for over 20 years, and served as Fire Chief for 11 years. Roscoe was a very active member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church throughout his life, serving as a deacon, choir member, and on various committees.

Roscoe loved the Lord and serving others. He always stayed busy and especially enjoyed church activities, working outdoors maintaining his yard and garden, and anything that involved his grandchildren. He was also an avid fan of Nascar, the Dallas Cowboys, and Carolina Tarheels basketball.

Roscoe was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Blanch Townsend, his wife, Linda Townsend, and a sister, Janette Townsend. He leaves behind to cherish his memory a daughter, Amy Wellborn and husband Benny, and his beloved grandchildren, Trent and Salem, along with many cousins and dear friends.

A time of visitation with the family of Roscoe Townsend will be held at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Banner Elk from 1:30-3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8th, 2024, with the funeral being held at 3:00 p.m. and a graveside service to follow.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and thanks to the staff of The Foley Center in Blowing Rock and Liberty Hospice for the medical assistance and compassion that they provided to Roscoe while he was under their care. They would also like to give special thanks to all of the wonderful friends who made visits, sent cards, and offered prayers on his behalf throughout his illness.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Townsend family.

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