Roy Leon Nienke died peacefully in his sleep early January 31, 2026 at Wellmore in Tega Cay, SC. He was 97 years old. Roy was born in Roanoke, VA but lived most of his adult life in Charlotte where he worked as a structural steel draftsman until age 80.

Roy married Margaret Jean Sigmon on August 19, 1949 in Washington, DC. They moved to Charlotte from Roanoke in 1954 and had two children. Margaret died one month before their 65th wedding anniversary in 2014. Though Margaret was suffering from Alzheimer’s, the last few years of their life together was beautiful to witness as Roy took care of her every need, the definition of unselfish love. Love was the foundation of everything Roy did and it is what you hear when people speak about Roy, love of his family, love of his friends and love of Jehovah God. Roy was a faithful servant of Jehovah for 72 years, having been baptized on February 14, 1954. He served faithfully in many capacities of service through the years, most recently as an elder in the Miranda Road Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. His faith was the most important thing in his life and guided him in everything he did and said.

Roy is survived by his daughter, Melanie Nienke (Randy), granddaughter Nina Keith, and grandson, Ashley Lingerfeldt (Putch) as well as several great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. His son, Kevin Nienke, preceded him in death in 2024. Roy was the last surviving sibling of his family; his sister Legora Taylor-Wimett having died in January 2019 and brother Wayne Nienke in January 2023.

Roy was grateful for the multitude of friends far and wide he cultivated over the years and who brought him so much joy by simply texting, meeting him for a meal, stopping by to make sure he was well and greeting him at meetings at the Kingdom Hall.

There are so many to thank for their exceptional care of Roy and his family including those that helped us through the last two weeks; Rick and Tracy Frizzell, Patrice McGrath, Nieces Kathy Laine and Linda Weekley, and neighbors Jerry and Sally Russell and Lance McClannan. There are many more and the family is very grateful for your loving care and concern for Roy over the years.

A graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park cemetery will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 6, 2026 with David Wolfe and David Plumley officiating.

There will be a Memorial Service on February 14, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Miranda Road Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, located at 3434 Miranda Rd., Charlotte, NC 28216 with Michael Landrum from Houston, TX officiating.

The family of Roy would like to acknowledge Via Health Partners of Fort Mill for their care of Roy during his final days.

Tribute and Tallent Funeral Services is serving the family.