Strunk Funeral Home & Crematory
Ralph L. Royal, 81, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away after a long illness. A lifelong Christian, he joined Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 19, 2018. As a child he was a member of the Community Church and the Methodist Church of Fellsmere. When his children were born and dedicated, he joined the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach and was baptized.
He was born at home in 1936, the youngest of five children of Bernice Franklin and Ruth Hall Royal. Ralph graduated from Fellsmere High School in 1955. He attended Embry-Riddle in Miami, earning his aircraft mechanic certification, and then volunteered for the U.S. Army. Ralph worked at Paul's Aircraft Service for two years, Piper Aircraft for twenty-nine years, and Sun Aviation for twelve years before retiring.
Survivors include Marjorie Kay Clark Royal, his wife of fifty years, as well as sons James Franklin Royal, his wife Maranatha Joy Hayes of Alexandria, Virginia, and son John Alan Royal of Vero Beach, granddaughter Hayle Royal Bogin of Vero Beach, and many nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, sister Charlotte Law (Willard), and brothers Bill Royal (Evelyn), Harold Royal (Bea), and Thomas Royal.
Ralph never knew a stranger and would talk to anyone who was friendly. Having always lived in the state, he often quipped that he was a third-generation Florida cracker, and joked that he'd know he was still alive if he hadn't seen his name in the newspaper. He still hasn't seen it, and remains alive in our hearts and memories as a providing father and loving husband. As Ralph loved to say, keep 'em flyin!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer and Parkinson Association, 2300 5th Avenue Suite 150, Vero Beach, FL 32960 in memory of Ralph L. Royal.
Visitation will be held at 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM on Sunday, July 22, 2018 at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian, FL followed by a Celebration of his life at 2:30 PM in the Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Cliff Hayes, officiating. A Private committal service will follow at Sebastian Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, FL 32958. You may sign an on-line guestbook at www.strunkfuneralhome.com
LINKS
TCPalm
http://www.tcpalm.com
Memories
Gallery
Guestbook (1)