Dr. E. Roy Epperson

 

Dr. E. Roy Epperson, President of the American Iris Society and former President of the Siberian Iris Society, died at his home on Thursday, January 21th, 2010.  Edward Roy Epperson was born on October 14th, 1932 in Burnsville, MS.  He received his doctorate in Chemistry from the University of the Pacific in 1965.

Dr. Epperson was married to Virginia Albert Epperson on August 19th, 1960.  His wife preceded him in death in 1996.  They were both on the faculty at Elon College from 1957-1966, where Dr. Epperson was an Assistant Professor of Chemistry.  Dr. Epperson was a respected faculty member and director of administrative affairs at High Point College for over 40 years.

Dr. Epperson demonstrated his commitment to his community through his dedicated volunteer service to many agencies.  He was a devoted member of Christ United Methodist Church.

 

Dr. Epperson's avocation was his garden, with a particular love of iris and hostas.  He also greatly enjoyed the art of cooking, which he learned at the age of 14 from his mother on a wood-burning stove.  He was known locally for his wedding cakes, Yorkshire pudding, for hosting Christmas open houses for friends and University personnel, and for feeding his family really well!

Dr. Epperson is survived by two daughters and four grandchildren.  Roy, as he preferred to be known, was a gentleman in every sense of the word and members of the American Iris Society greatly mourn his loss.