Roger Clayton Trivette

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Roger Clayton Trivette, 86, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on November 26, 2025 at the Woltz Hospice Home. Born March 18, 1939, in Wilkes County, Roger was the son of O.C. Trivette and Florence Bauguess Trivette. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother Hallie Trivette, and sister, Nancy Trivette Walsh.

Roger was a man of exemplary character and unwavering integrity - a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Deeply respected by colleagues and friends alike, he was known for his brilliant engineering mind, steady leadership, and genuinely kind spirit.

A 1957 graduate of Wilkes Central High School, Roger was voted “Most Talented” in his senior class - a recognition that proved prophetic. The creativity, skill, and craftsmanship he displayed even as a young man became hallmarks of his long and distinguished career.

In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Jane Eller, at First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro. Their marriage of more than 67 years was a true testimony of love, loyalty, and partnership. The couple began married life in Winston-Salem, where Roger began his career at R. J. Reynolds and they welcomed their first child, Todd.

Roger’s professional accomplishments were remarkable, reflecting a lifetime of leadership, innovation, and dedication. Among his many roles:

Opened his first business, Colony Auto and Appliance, in North Wilkesboro.

Served as Senior Director of Design & Construction and Store Planning for Lowe’s Food Stores, and Director of Architectural Design for World Food Systems in North Wilkesboro.

Vice President of Design, Construction, Store Planning, and Maintenance for Roses Discount Stores in Henderson, NC. There he directed the construction of 164 new Roses Stores and the major remodel/expansion of 184 additional stores. Received the Associate of the Year Award, given to only 10 associates out of more than 30,000 employees. Served on the Henderson-Vance County Development Commission.

Executive Vice President of Design, Construction, Store Planning, and Facilities for Ames Department Stores in Rocky Hill, CT. He opened 233 new Ames stores and remodeled 92 existing stores and served on the IMRA Steering Committee.

Roger’s engineering skills, creativity, and determination were unparalleled. His influence is still seen across hundreds of retail stores he designed, built, or transformed across the East Coast.

Above every achievement, Roger’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by the love of his life, Linda Eller Trivette, of the home; his daughter, Heather Smallwood (Brandon) of Huntersville; his son Todd Trivette (Tammy) of Wilkesboro; and his beloved granddaughters, Savannah and Stella Smallwood, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. He also adored his loyal grand-dog, Amira.

Roger is also survived by his special nieces: Traci Steele Rajkowski (Dan) of Huntersville * Annemarie Figueroa (Henry) of Boone * Karen Owings (Jeff) of Millers Creek. And by his nephew, Kevin Walsh (Robin Billings) of Moravian Falls, along with numerous other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Roger was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro. Even in his later years when he could not attend in person, he and Linda worshipped together every Sunday from home.

Roger’s favorite place to eat was Glenn’s Restaurant, where he enjoyed their split-fried hotdogs and the warm attentive staff who cared for him so well. It became a cherished part of his daily routine, and the people there held a special place in his heart.

Roger lived a life marked by devotion - to God, to his family, and to the work he was entrusted with. His legacy of faith, integrity, and extraordinary talent will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

 Matthew 25:23 Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, December 6, 2025, at First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro with Dr. Bert Young and Rev. Patricia Turner officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM prior to the service in the church sanctuary.  

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of N. Wilkesboro, PO Box 458, N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, PO Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com

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