Last Updated on June 22, 2025 8:03 pm
An Avery County man known as both Mr. Woolly Worm and “Pop” of Newland passed away last week.
Roy Krege, age 82, “went Home to be with Jesus on Monday, June 16, 2025 at Watauga Medical Center at 3:28 pm, surrounded by his family.”, according to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.
After moving to the High Country, the Kenmore, New York native would take on positions at Lees-McRae and Grandfather Home for Children. Not only was he a member of Banner Elk Kiwanis for 57 years, but he was best known as Mr. Woolly Worm, a role he held for 40 years.
He served on various boards, committees, and organizations across the High Country.
A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday.
In noting his passing, Lees-McRae posted, “Long-time employee and friend of Lees-McRae Roy Krege was a beloved member of our community whose loss will be felt by many in Avery County. We are so grateful for his many years of service and his commitment to leaving the High Country better than he found it. Our thoughts are with his family and his many loved ones.
In honor of Roy's fervent support of Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, which included serving on the advisory committee, assisting with parking and concessions, selling playbill ads, and never missing a show, this year's season is dedicated to his memory.”
Obituary courtesy of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland
Roy Krege, lovingly known as “Pop”, of Newland went Home to be with Jesus on Monday, June 16, 2025 at Watauga Medical Center at 3:28 pm, surrounded by his family. Roy was born July 28, 1942, to the late Clarence and Catherine Krege in Kenmore, NY.
In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his sister Nancy McCray. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Marion Krege, three children, Kimberly Florio, Dewayne Krege (Kelley), and Michelle Burnop (Michael), six grandchildren, Blake, Jacob, Cameron, Preston, Jackson and Kesleigh, brothers Bob and John (Trudy) and nieces and nephews.
Roy graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1960. He received degrees from Carson-Newman University and Tennessee Tech University. Before retiring from Grandfather Home for Children as Assistant Director and Grandfather Academy as principal in 2004, Roy served in many capacities at Lees-McRae College beginning in 1968 and was member of management for Lees-McRae summer theatre. He served on many boards and committees in the High Country and received many awards from various organizations. He was a member of Banner Elk Kiwanis for 57 years. His claim to fame was being Mr. Woolly Worm for 40 years and loved serving in that capacity. Roy was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Banner Elk for 57 years and served as Sunday School teacher, deacon, youth leader, and on various committees. He loved people and had a servant’s heart. One of his favorite things to do was to bake and deliver plates of goodies to people all over Avery County.
Roy’s Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, June 22, 2025 (Roy and Marion’s 62nd wedding anniversary) beginning at 3 PM at Mount Calvary Baptist Church Family Worship Center in Banner Elk 1161 Balm Highway. There will be a time of fellowship to follow the service.
Thanks to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland for caring for Roy and his family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Banner Elk Kiwanis Club for children’s programs in Avery County. (Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk, PO Box 2459 Banner Elk, NC 28604). We would also like to thank Cannon Memorial Hospital and Watauga Medical Center for the amazing care they provided for Roy over the years.
With our sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude, we want to thank all of our family, church families, friends, co-workers, community members, and all of you who have shown so much love and support to us during this time. We are forever grateful! We thank God and give Him all glory for who He is!
