Letcher Roy Ware had siblings in other parts of the state, yet he remained alone in Urbanna following his wife’s death. He sold their empty house and built a smaller, one-story cinderblock structure on the lot next door. It was heated by an oil stove and cooled by window unit, which apparently was fine for him.

Roy drove an old Ford truck, which he used for odd jobs like painting. While his health allowed, he propagated and raised specimen English boxwood shrubs, some of which he sold for income. He also grew vegetables that he shared with people in town. His pride and joy? A 2.5-pound tomato!

Roy’s humble lifestyle reflected his unassuming character. So, what’s his secret?