Robert Delroy (Reggie) Farmer II

Mr. Robert (Reggie) Delroy Farmer II, 81, of Tarboro passed away peacefully on Friday, October 16, 2020 in the comfort of his own home surrounded by family. A private family graveside interment will be held at Calvary Episcopal Churchyard.

Reggie was born on August 15, 1939 in Raleigh, North Carolina to the late Robert Delroy Farmer and Floy Munns Farmer. After graduating from Needham B. Broughton High School in 1958, he furthered his education at NC State University, attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 1969.

Mr. Farmer served in the North Carolina Army National Guard beginning in 1962. He was an active duty service member at Fort Jackson in South Carolina from January until July of 1962. After 5 years of service, he was honorably discharged from the reserves.

He began his banking and finance career in 1969. After having been employed by North Carolina National Bank, he joined Branch Banking and Trust and retired as City Executive for Branch Banking and Trust in Tarboro in 2001.

He met his future wife, Kay Kelly, on October 14, 1958 at the North Carolina State Fair, after he had won an “armful” of teddy bears playing basketball. As a spectator, Kay was so thrilled and excited over the numerous teddy bears that he graciously gave her his armful of winnings. That initial encounter sparked the beginning of a 62-year relationship. After dating for 5 years, they were united in marriage on July 20, 1963 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Mr. Farmer was a member of Calvary Episcopal Church, where he once served as Treasurer. He was very involved in the Tarboro community. He coached Little League baseball, Rocky Mount Academy basketball and Holy Hoopsters basketball, as well as refereed many Holy Hoopsters basketball games. He also served as President of the Tarboro/Edgecombe Chambers of Commerce/Merchants Association, President of Hilma Country Club and President of the Kiwanis Club. He was a Chairman of the Edgecombe County Chapter of the North Carolina Symphony, Chairman of the Edgecombe County American Heart Association and a member of the Edgecombe Community College Foundation Board.

Reggie was a loyal and devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. He appreciated the simple things in life. He loved all animals, especially dogs and one dog in particular, his boxer “Duke”. He was an avid golfer, having passed the love of the game to his son, Rob. One of his proudest moments was watching his daughter, Kelly, graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He was also a dedicated NC State Wolfpack fan. He loved many things, but nothing measured up to the love he had for his family, he always put them first and he loved them more than anything in the world. His most treasured title was being “Poppy” to his five grandchildren.

Reggie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kay Kelly Farmer; daughter and son-in-law, Kelly Farmer Lanier and Tommy Lanier; son and daughter-in-law, Robert Delroy Farmer III and Kim Farmer; five grandchildren, Patrick Lanier (Claire Massagee Lanier), Payton Lanier, Brooke Lanier, Reagan Farmer and Reese Farmer; great-grandchild, Brooks Lanier; older sister, JoAnn Farmer Smith and husband Butch Smith; younger brother, Fred Farmer and wife Kim Farmer; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Debbie Price and Danny Reason. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank those that provided support to Reggie, with special thanks to 3HC of Wilson, North Carolina and his special caregiver Zelbara Brown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Calvary Episcopal Church Preschool at 411 E. Church St, Tarboro, NC 27886 or to the SPCA Alliance of NC at 604 Palmer St., Tarboro, NC 27886

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