Donnie started work at Avondale Mills in the 60's and worked there until his retirement. He was a bargain hunter and loved to find a good deal. He was an avid Chevrolet enthusiast and the Chevy Camaro was his favorite car. He loved kids and always kept a snack or suprise for them when he would see them. In his retirement years he would ride the backroads just to see the scenery and to ride through the old neighborhoods where he grew up. You could find him a lot of afternoons sitting at McDonald's with friends and coffee enjoying the afternoon. He will be greatly missed by all who got the privilege to know him. He loved Jesus, his church, helping people, NASCAR, and Alabama sports. ROLL TIDE!!!
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 pm on April 11, 2026, at Odena Baptist Church, 115 Odena Rd N, Sylacauga, AL. The service will be officiated by Brother Mitchell Fine.
He is survived by his children, William Royal, Patty Ward (James), Scotty Royal, and Rodney Royal; his siblings, Talmadge Royal (Judy), Judy Royal Johnson (Kenneth), Tony Royal, and Cynthia Royal Alford; his grandchildren, Cyndal Royal (Austin), Rocky McDaniel, Lani Royal Huff (Dewayne), Noah Royal, McCoy Ward, and Caleb Miley; and 13 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Royal; his mother, Clorene Taylor; his sisters, Carolyn Royal Merrell, Rita Royal Hughes, and Diane Royal Cooper; and his brothers, Carlos Royal and Arnold Royal.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Diabetes Association.
