Roy Ackland Obituary Death: longtime host of Roy’s Folks on FOX8 Cause Of death
At the age of 84, Roy Ackland, the beloved host of FOX8’s Community Spotlight series, Roy’s Folks, has passed away. Ackland was a familiar face and voice on North Carolina television, known for his down-to-earth personality as both a weatherman and journalist.
Born in England in 1938, Ackland’s family later relocated to Texas where he eventually served in the Air Force. His expertise in weather forecasting led him to a career in television, and he joined WGHP in 1987 as a weatherman. Working alongside photojournalist David Weatherly, the duo embarked on a journey to uncover unique and compelling stories for their viewers, traveling throughout the state and beyond.
Their travels culminated in the creation of Roy’s Folks in 1988, a series that highlighted the diverse and fascinating people of North Carolina. Over the course of thirty years, Ackland and Weatherly captured everyday stories and historic events, such as the relocation of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in 1999.
In addition to his work on the series, Ackland was also known for his annual Roy’s Folkcraft Fair, which raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Salvation Army. In 2017, Ackland retired to eastern North Carolina, passing the torch to Chad Tucker, who now hosts the series under the same name.
Although Ackland may no longer be with us, his legacy lives on through the many stories he shared with the world.
