Robert Craig Royce

Robert Craig "Bob" Royce, a retired Long Island attorney, Naval officer, and devoted churchman, died on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice following complications from a fall at his home. Born in Bay Shore, New York, on August 8, 1939, he was the son of Thomas Williams Royce Jr. and Marjorie Grace Royce.

Following his graduation from Brown University, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy aboard the destroyer USS Harlan R. Dickson. He went on to earn his degree from the Dickinson School of Law before returning to his hometown of Bay Shore. There, he enjoyed a 30-year career practicing law with the firm of Robbins, Wells and Walser. A devoted churchman, he served the Episcopal Church extensively at the local, diocesan, and national levels in numerous capacities, notably lending his expertise as a specialist in Canon law.

In 1997, Bob and his wife, Billie, retired to Wilmington. He found great joy sitting in a beach chair on Wrightsville Beach and spent countless hours playing golf at Landfall. There, he was a beloved fixture among the "Saturday Campers," affectionately known to them as the "Commish." He attended the parish of St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound and served by singing in the choir, lay reading, heading the Endowment Committee, and proudly taking his place as the world’s oldest acolyte.

Bob is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Willoughby "Billie" Royce; his two sons, Tom (Holly) of Wilmington and Charles (Sarah) of Cary; his cherished grandchildren, Robert "Bobby" (and his partner, Mikki), Daniel "Danny", Margaret "Maggie", and Gavin; and his sister, Nancy Royce of Wilmington.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound on Saturday, June 27, at 11:00 a.m., with The Reverend A. Michael Singer officiating. A reception will follow the service.

Memorial gifts may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or www.lifecare.org ) or to the Endowment Fund of St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound (101 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403).