Roger Edward Tompkins

Roger Edward Tompkins, 73, of Kernersville, NC, passed away in hospice care, surrounded by his family, on the evening of June 2, 2023. He is survived by Maria, his wife of fifty-one years, his son Dr. Andrew S. Tompkins of Berlin, Germany, his daughter, Anne-Marie E. Tompkins of Charlotte, and his brothers Richard and Keith Tompkins and their families, of Illinois. Roger was born on January 30, 1950. He grew up in Madison, New Jersey, graduating from Madison High School in 1968. He then headed south to Winston-Salem to attend Wake Forest University, from which he graduated with a B.A. history in 1972. That same week he married his college sweetheart, Maria. The following week, Roger began working for Graybar Electric Company, starting in the warehouse and ending his 38-year career in the electrical wholesale business as a sales manager. Outside of work, Roger was a devoted father and supportive husband who took countless photographs throughout his life, documenting the lives of his children and his family’s extensive travels. As an avid fan of the Demon Deacons, Roger seldom missed a home football or basketball game. Upon retiring in 2009, he was able to revel in his lifelong love of music, playing his guitars and attending Broadway musicals and concerts. He particularly enjoyed seeing Paul McCartney perform in Greensboro and attending MerleFest annually. Roger was also an attentive “cat daddy” to Stella and Onyx, his “best buddy.”

A memorial service will be held on July 8, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home in Kernersville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Roger’s name to Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation, 302 Thurston Street, Winston-Salem, NC, 27103.