DECEASED ALUM: JOHN ROYAL, FHHS '67

John Thomas Royall Obituary

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille in Lafayette for John Thomas Royall, age 75, who passed away on May 16, 2024 at his residence.

Entombment will be held in Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery in Broussard. Reverend Jordan Hylden will officiate at the services.

Survivors include his loving wife of 15 years, Heather Sinclair Royall; two sons, Powell Royall and his wife Chelsea, and Christopher Lee Royall and his wife Olya; two daughters, Elizabeth Anne Craig and her husband Todd, and Rachel Royall; four grandchildren, Royall Wilson, Grayson Pearson, Ryan Royall, and Cara Royall; sister-in-law, Pam Royall; and nieces and nephews, William Royall, Rider Royall, Aubyn Royall, Nick Royall, and Tim Farquhar.

Preceded in death by his parents, Judge William “Arch” Royall and Theda Deuel Royall; and brother, William Archer “Bill” Royall Jr.

John Thomas Royall was born in the small town of Tazewell, VA. As a young boy, he moved to Alexandria, VA, where he graduated from Fort Hunt High School and developed many lifelong friendships. John attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, before starting a career in banking in Northern Virginia.

John had a loving and kind personality, with a remarkable ability to turn strangers into friends. If he left a room without your phone number, it was only because he didn’t get the chance to say hello. His contagious laugh and captivating storytelling drew you into the adventurous tales of his life. He cherished his relationships with his wife, children, family, and friends, although he secretly loved his dogs the most. John taught us to curate life experiences with loved ones, always reach out to friends and express how much they mean to us, and make time to tell someone they are loved.

John had many interests and hobbies, including physics, historical tall ships, and politics. He served with the GOP in Georgia for many years until he moved to Louisiana to be closer to family shortly before his passing. John had a strong love of his family history and spent countless hours researching his genealogy back to the family’s arrival in the New World in 1624. John’s search through history further underscored his pride, loyalty, and patriotism for his country.

John will be deeply missed by those who knew him. His love for life and adventure will continue in all those he touched.

Pallbearers will be Powell Royall, Christopher Lee Royall, Royall Wilson, Rick Gow, Craig Madden, and Josh Simar.  

Honorary Pallbearer will be Richard Lockett (editors note: Rick is FHHS '67, close friend & classmate).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mr. John’s memory to Second Harvest Food Bank of Acadiana, 215 East Pinhook Road, Lafayette, LA 70501.

View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com

Martin & Castille Funeral Home - DOWNTOWN, 330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506, 337-234-2311