He was born on January 23, 1931 in Obion, TN. Royce was a teacher at Southern High School in Louisville, KY. He taught English and started one of the first Aeronautics programs in Jefferson Co. Public Schools. He gave students unique experiences in school and out of school. Several students earned their private pilots licenses. Royce took in young people and others that needed to earn extra money and needed support through tough times.
He always had his collies by his side as he worked in his gardens. He had vegetables and sunflowers to share. He had a passion for bees and as a beekeeper if you visited Royce you would leave with a jar of honey.
Royce loved literature and would always have a "reading" at every holiday dinner or spend time discussing ideas he read in his books. His love for the Arts in Louisville were instilled to his daughter and granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ola Mae Davis.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Betty Jean Cruce; daughter, Royce Ann Whitman; granddaughter, Kelsi Whitman; brother, James Cruce and his sister, Catherine Simpson.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fund for the Arts, 623 W. Main St. Louisville, KY 40202.
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