Royal Eller, Jr.

Royal Clyo Eller, Jr., Charlotte, N.C.
Roy (Buddy) Eller, of Charlotte, passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at University Hospital in Charlotte.  He was born on February 16, 1938, in Gaston County to the late Royal Clyo Eller, Sr. and Leah Briggs Eller.

Buddy graduated from Belmont High School and completed one year of college at Lees McCrae before joining the United States Army. While in the army, he sustained an injury while serving in Hawaii.  At that time, he returned home with an Honorable Discharge. Soon after his return home, he began his career with Champion Spark Plug Company as a district sales manager.  He was with Champion until his retirement.    

Buddy married Nancy Traywick, of Belmont, on April 25, 1964.  They have two children, Royal Clyo Eller, III, and Amy Elizabeth Eller.  They built a wonderful life together that was filled with love, fun and laughter. He loved spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren, whom he adored, Jordan Elizabeth Taylor and Noah Riley Eller.  

 Buddy also had a passion and love for animals.  Mostly recently his beloved shepherd, Blitz.  They spent countless hours together, playing ball, taking walks and just hanging out.  

Buddy’s other passion was football. He was an exceptional football player at Belmont High and was a freshman on the team when they won the 1953 State Championship.  Every Friday he looked forward to meeting his teammates in Belmont for lunch.  Because of his love and knowledge of football he went on to coach Pop Warner football at CYAC for over ten years.  Another love of Buddy’s was music.  He grew up spending countless weekends at Myrtle Beach and most of the time on the dance floor shagging.  He was a great dancer.      

 He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy Traywick Eller, son Roy Eller and his wife Jill Eller, daughter Amy Eller, grandchildren; Jordan Taylor and Noah Eller, as well as his sister, Betty Jo Capps who resides in Little River, S.C. 

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018, at Raymer – Kepner Funeral Home; 16901 Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078. The memorial service will be held at noon in the Chapel of the funeral home.