His father, Dean, was a banker and mother Carlene was a homemaker. Both are now deceased. His sister Mary Adams, still lives in Dallas. In Royce's first year Carlene was diagnosed with TB and, as was the practice of those times, was confined for the remaining eight years of her life in sanatoria in Texas and California. Royce was raised by his father, his father's twin brother "Unca Gene" and his grandparents. Mama Pipes was a teacher and Papa a pharmacist. They instilled a strong religious foundation and a love of learning in Royce. He also learned from them the value of old-fashioned southern courtesy.
Childhood
Royce's memories of childhood include the excitement of the WWII years and later the severe droughts of the 1950s. He attended Adamson High School in Dallas, participating in Junior ROTC and as a contestant on Kids Quiz Kids. He graduated in 1956 with honors.
A Start from the Army
After Tarleton College Royce served in the Army, learning electronics as a Fire Control Engineer. He credits the Army with launching his career and his love of the exciting new world of computer technology.
A career in technology
Royce began his professional career as a computer techie for a number of US agencies, including the Army, Department of Defense, National Security Agency, US Naval Academy, NASA, and the Naval Weapons Systems. Royce transferred his skills into computer applications for healthcare, especially computer-assisted medical decision making.
A Techie Matures
Royce eventually became CEO and President of Browne Medical Systems, remaining in that position until retirement. He has been listed three times in Who's Who within his professional field. Royce was a member of the American Society for Strategic Planning, the Minnesota Healthcare Commission and the Lions Club, from which he received the Presidents' Excellence Award.
A Loving Life
Royce met Cheryl Wilder in 1987 and they married in 1990, beginning a great, full, second life. They retired to Highland Haven, Texas, where Royce was active in the City and his church.
Royce is survived by Cheryl, three highly competent adult children (Maria and husband Jim Moen, Royce Dean Pipes III, and Anne Carlene Rhody), 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and his sister Mary Adams. He counts among his extend family his wife's brother, Warren Jay Wurscher, and her sisters Lynn Harmening and Gayleen Sharp. His Pipes relations living nearby are Martha, Tina, Shirley, Weesie, Norma, Gene, and Jeff - all children of Fred and Lorraine Pipes.
A reception for Royce will be held Monday, June 5, 2023 at 12:00 PM at First Methodist Church, Marble Falls, Texas, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 PM.
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