Chief R.Wayne Royal, Retired, JFRD passed away on the morning of April 24, 2024 at his home in Green Cove Springs Florida at the age of 91. He was born on December 29, 1932 in Greenville, South Carolina to Zara and Sue Royal growing up in a small community in Georgia. When able, Wayne joined the Navy and served in the Korean war, being honorably discharged in 1951. After trying numerous odd jobs, including being a butcher and a truck driver, he joined the Jacksonville fire department in 1960. In 1967 the Jacksonville Fire Department started a new branch which would become the Rescue Division of the Fire Department and needing firefighters to volunteer to get it started. Seeing a great opportunity, Wayne volunteered along with 11 other firefighters to staff the fledgling new branch of the Jacksonville Fire Department. The Jacksonville Rescue Division became a model to other metropolitan cities to base their Rescue services.
Wayne rose up the ranks always scoring in the top five in testing, first being promoted to Lieutenant in April 1970, Captain in April 1974 and ultimately District Rescue Chief for the Jacksonville Fire Department, noting that he was one of two to mark that achievement at that time in the nation, and with national recognition. Never one to enjoy the political inner workings of government Chief Royal was more of a working man’s chief and advocate for the working men and women serving every day on the streets.
After retiring from Jacksonville Fire and Rescue in 1983, he accepted the position of Chief of the Fire Department in Atlantic Beach. He was tasked with forming a professional fire department from what was an all volunteer staff.
Chief Royal retired from Atlantic Beach Fire Department in 1989, having been instrumental in building a top notch firefighting organization for Atlantic Beach.
During his career, he became an avid private pilot and built several airplanes and restored numerous others. He again showed his ability and talent by adding a Commercial Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings to his license. Though he did not want to make that a career, he did fly with several local companies as a fill-in pilot when needed. Again, showing his passion for challenges, he passed the test and received his certification from the FAA for Airframe and Power Plant Repair. Not one to stop there, he continued and received his Aviation Inspection Authorization as well, a very difficult and high achievement.
Wayne was a major part of the Aviation community in the Jacksonville area and ultimately purchased property at a fly in community in Green Cove Springs. Over the years Wayne made many friends at the airpark and continued to help and mentor numerous aviators on the field.
His presence will truly be missed by those who worked under his leadership and his fellow residents.
Wayne is survived by three daughters, Valerie Riley, Stephanie Royal and Allison Bifani, and one son, Richard, Wayne Royal, Jr.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 1 at Hardage Giddens, Mandarin Chapel, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223, between 5 PM and 7 PM.
The internment service will be Thursday, May 2 at the Jacksonville Veterans Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32218 @1 PM
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