Rev. Royce Kelly Head

He was born in Gadsden, Alabama on June 24, 1949. He attended Gadsden City schools from 1st grade through 12th grade, graduating from Gadsden High School. He attended Gadsden State Community College, then graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. He taught at Disque Middle School and Gadsden High School and spent most of his career at Cory Middle School.

In 1974, he met and married Ann Nelms. After retiring from teaching, he began a remodeling career. Royce was called to preach, and in 2005, he was licensed and ordained. He began pastoring Duck Springs Baptist Church in February 2005 and was there until his homegoing. Royce served as a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and coached RA basketball at Twelfth Street Baptist Church. He went on many mission trips in the US, Guatemala and Argentina. Coming from humble beginnings, he was honored that God used him to have an impact on so many people. He was faithful in the places God put him whether next door or abroad.

Royce loved woodworking and spent time building anything from furniture, toy boxes, and spent time handcrafting wooden bowls. From his hobby, he gained many life lessons for his sermons.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Julia Head, his brother Harold (Bubba) Head.

He is survived by his beloved wife Ann Head, his sisters Judy Head and Jane Heath, his sister-in-law Ruth Nelms, his brothers-in-laws David (Jill) Nelms, James (Pam) Nelms, his nieces Kim Bame, Katrina (Anthony) Birchfield, Angie (Michael) White, his nephews Jason Bame, Brian Nelms and Michael Heath, his great nephews Cade White, Jaylon Birchfield, Micah, Birchfield, Sam Heath, Sawyer Heath, and his great niece Julianne White.

The family would like to thank ProHealth, Gadsden Regional Hospital staff, O’neal Cancer Center, and UAB Hospital for their service and support during this time.

Pallbearers will be Charlie Wren, Rick Bearden, David Nelms, Corbin Stone, Mark Arnett, Michael White, Brian Nelms, Michael Heath and Cade White.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the men of Duck Springs Baptist Church.

Life celebration will be at Duck Springs Baptist Church (11660 Duck Springs Road, Attalla, AL 35954) on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Visitation will be from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. The service begins at 2:00 pm led by Dr. Paul Murphy and Dr. Richard Trader. A private graveside family service will follow.

Condolences can be made online at www.collier-butler.com

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to send memorials to Duck Springs Baptist Church.