Born on February 1, 1940, near Pleasant Hill, Tennessee, Royce spent the majority of his childhood in Springfield, Ohio. The middle son of Robert "Reece" and Willie Smith, Royce moved to Abilene in 1958 to attend what is now Abilene Christian University.
On New Year's Eve, 1960, Royce met Karla Griffin. He married her on August 24, 1961, and truly loved her -- through good times and bad -- for 52 years. They moved to San Angelo in 1966. They had four children, Dean Allen (who died in infancy), Kent Royce, Karlisa Jo, and Jana Delene.
Royce was a wise man who spoke when necessary, chose his words carefully, and gave advice graciously. More than facts about his life, he would like you to know above all that Jesus loves you and offers forgiveness to you, no matter what you have done in your past."God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"
Royce loved and was loved by many people throughout his life. As a member of the San Angelo community and an employee of the San Angelo Independent School District for 28 years and as a member of Johnson Street Church of Christ (where he served as an elder for 30 consecutive years), Royce made many friends. Besides his wife and children, among those who will miss Royce most are his children's families (Joan, Clayton, Brynn, and Paul Smith; Dave, Karlyn, and Kayla Shultz; Rick, Colt, and Makenna Fox), his two brothers (Donald and David Smith) and their families, Karla's siblings (Gary and Jo Griffin) and family, and the staff members and fellow elders at Johnson Street Church of Christ, particularly his long-time friend Ed Huston.
Visitation will be held at Johnson’s Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00p.m. Friday, October 11, 2013. Graveside services will be at Lawnhaven at 10:30 on Saturday, October 12, 2013 with a celebration of Royce’s life at 2:00 that afternoon at Johnson Street Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Rust Street Ministries or Johnson Street Missions.
Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com
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