Robert Gail Royal, 64, of Hendersonville passed away Tuesday afternoon, May 31st, 2016 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock. Bob was born July 5, 1951 in Ashe County. to Victor Alonzo and Nancy Velma Osborne Royal. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Glen Allen Royal and Ray Dean Shatley.
For the past 20 years Bob has been a truck driver, first with Watkins Motor Lines and for the last eight with Walmart Transportation LLC. Bob made friends wherever he traveled and his easy-going, willing and can-do attitude put people at ease. His unique humor and big heart brightened everyone whose path he crossed. Before trucking he had various career paths which included nuclear field engineer, licensed plumber and his passion, firefighter, EMT in Upstate New York. While there he was an EMS coordinator, firefighter, basic EMT instructor and Red Cross CPR instructor. He wore many hats during his lifetime and he excelled under each one. “Everyone loves Bob” was synonymous whenever his name was mentioned.
He was passionate about providing for his family. He loved bluegrass and gospel music, “biscuits and gravy,” “running the back roads,” having “dates” with his wife Kathy of 20 years, and above all else having adventures with his “pride and joy,” grandson Westley Robert Royal-Woods.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his “daudder,” Lauren M Royal-Woods and husband Rhett of Hendersonville; son, Jonathan Robert Royal of Durham, NC; grandson, Westley “Wee Bob” Robert Royal-Woods; four sisters, Elizabeth Walton of Crumpler, NC, Mary Johnson, Betty Dollar, and Sarah Severt, all of West Jefferson, NC; five brothers Carl Shatley, Gene Royal, Victor Royal, David Royal, all of West Jefferson, NC and Larry Shatley of Sparta, NC; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elizabeth House at www.tmcfunding.com
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