Joseph “Joe” Gardner Royal

Salemburg

Mr. Joseph Gardner Royal, 94, of Salemburg, North Carolina, passed away Friday, June 28th, 2024, at Southwood Rehabilitation Center, with his family. Joe was born in Salemburg, North Carolina, on September 23rd, 1929, to the late Ranby and Carrie Torrens Royal. He was preceded in death by his wife of seventy-two years, Alice Bass Royal, by his sister Helen Cook of Clinton, and by his brothers Ranby Royal of Pennsylvania, Ammie Lee Royal of Charlotte, and Kenneth Royal of Salemburg.

A lifelong resident of Salemburg, Joe Royal grew up working alongside his brothers in the family grocery store, Royal Brothers IGA. It was there that he would meet the singular love of his life, Alice Jane Bass. Not even war would separate the two, and when Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country in Korea, the two decided to wed so that they could go together.

After Joe’s retirement from the Army, he and Alice returned home with their young daughter, Denise, to grow their family in Salemburg. Here, Joe and Alice became an integral part of the town. In addition to taking over the family grocery store and managing it with their children, they would also eventually run the town Post Office, with Joe serving as Postmaster for eighteen years. But Joe loved serving his church and his community, and was also a longstanding Deacon and a member of the Royal Ambassadors at Salemburg Baptist Church, an active member in the Lion’s Club, and a generous funder of multiple college scholarships, including an annual one given at Wake Forrest Seminary.

While Joe worked tirelessly at serving his country, his church, and his town, his most cherished duty was in serving his family. A true example of a man who put God and his family first, Joseph Gardner Royal was always there for his loved ones. He was protective, loving, and always a resilient shoulder to lean on.

Joseph G. Royal is survived by his brother Billy Royal and wife Nancy of Chapel Hill; three children: Denise Lane of Salemburg; Joseph Royal and wife Sarah of Salemburg; and Ramby Royal and wife Cathy of Stem, North Carolina; six grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, granddaddy, son, and brother. He was a faithful and dedicated Christian and a respected pillar of strength and love for his family, his church, and his town. He loved deeply, was loved deeply, and will be greatly missed by all.

Flowers may be sent to Salemburg Baptist Church, 300 N Main Street, Salemburg, North Carolina, 28385.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Salemburg Baptist Church at 3:00 pm, Monday, July 1st, 2024, with Pastors Drew Bolin and Charles Royal officiating. A graveside service will follow with Military Honors.

Family and friends are welcome to arrive an hour earlier, at 2:00 pm for Visitation.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 401 W Roseboro Street, Roseboro, NC 28382.