Lynwood Hugh Royal

Lynwood HG Royal, age 76, of Ormond Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2025. Born in Jacksonville, Florida on May 21, 1949. Hugh lived a life marked by service, faith, and deep devotion to his family and community.

On March 14, 1975, Hugh married the love of his life, Joan Lee Miller, and together they shared 50 beautiful years of marriage. He was a devoted husband, a caring father, and a proud grandfather. Hugh is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; his daughter, Melissa (Joseph) Cleveland of Ormond Beach; his son, Keith (Yuumi) of Shizuoka, Japan; and three cherished grandchildren: Drew, Karsten, and Lilia. He is also survived by his brothers James, Harry and Curtis Royal along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Hugh graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and later earned a Master's in Education Leadership from the University of Central Florida. His distinguished military career began when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1970. After being honorable discharged in 1972 to pursue his education, he joined the Florida Army National Guard as a UH-1M Crew Chief. In 1979, he transitioned to full-time service with the Georgia National Guard as a CH-54 Skycrane Flight Engineer.

in 1981, Hugh entered the U.S. Navy Aviation Officer Candidate School, graduation later that year as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. He served with distinction with deployment to the Red Sea in support of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, he retired from the Navy in 1994. Continuing his commitment to public service, Hugh worked as a Probation Officer for the State of Florida from 2003 until his retirement in 2016.

in 1995, Hugh experienced a life-changing transformation through the saving grace of Jesus Christ and was baptized on July 16, 1995. His faith became central to his life, and he faithfully served his church, formerly Ormond First Baptist and now Riverbend Church, through ministries in tech, safety, and the annual Passion Play.

Hugh had a generous heart and a joyful spirit. His beautiful smile and quick sense of humor brought warmth to everyone who knew him. He was an active Boy Scout and Venture Crew Leader, and was honored as Venturing Leader of the Year for 2001-2002. Hugh was also an enthusiastic Ham Radio operator (W4AND) and served as a member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Hugh's legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know him.

A celebration of life service will be held at Riverbend Community Church 2080 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, Florida on Thursday July 3, 2025, at 10:30 am

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in memory of Lynwood Hugh Royal to Riverbend Community Church, 2080 W Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, Florida or to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256.