Royce Lee Bruton

Royce Lee Bruton was born on April 24, 1949, in Abilene, TX. He was the 6th child of Emmett Hiram and Mary Etta (Knox) Bruton. He is preceded in death by an older infant sister, Maryland and 3 half-brothers, Billy, Edwin, and Wade.

As a middle sibling to Jim, Marvin, Tom, and Knox: the elder to Brenda, and Keith: he took incoming sibling “fire” from all sides. Royce spent the first 14 years of his life in Abilene. Thru the entirety of his life, he resided in Stanton, Alpine, Vernon, Wichita Falls, Arlington, Midland, Odessa, and Hobbs, NM. He lived, and loved living the last 23 years in San Angelo. As a teenager he followed closely the early NASA space flights of the 1960’s and played Little League baseball. His first salary was earned as a “soda jerk” at Stanton Drug. Working alongside 2 of his siblings. He played the cornet in the Stanton High School band, graduating from there in 1968. He entered college at Sul Ross State University. With some starts and stops along the way, he received his BA degree in 1978.

While mostly a person of quiet demeanor. On occasion, someone……most likely a sibling, would find his “Quick Boil” button. More than once, the result was “scorch” marks for someone.

Royce spent most of his working life in fast food management. Grandy’s, Burger King, and Whataburger. He spent over 15 years with Church’s Chicken. He took pleasure in his travels, visiting 49 states. Hawaii was his only miss. He played golf in 26 states, mostly alongside siblings Brenda and Keith. He found a particular joy in finding and photographing interesting church buildings around the country. He followed NASCAR racing closely. While never attending a race in person: he did visit and tour several venues around the country, at off times. Daytona, Talladega, Texas Motor Speedway, and Bristol, among them. The Penske Racing, and Dale Earnhardt facilities in NC were stops along the way. While not a veteran himself, he proudly supported veterans’ charities, and other patriotic organizations.

Royce passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at home. A home he loved dearly.

Forever in Our Hearts…………..GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN

A visitation and reception for Royce will be held Friday, March 7, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, TX 79606. Following the visitation will be a graveside service at 1:00 PM at the Midway Cemetery, County Rd 289, Hodges, TX 79501.