Mr. Jimmie Arthur Royal of 1008 South 14th Street, Cordele, Georgia died Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the Crisp Regional Hospital in Cordele, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia.

Everyone entering the funeral home for visitations or services is required to wear a mask and to practice social distancing.  A mask must be worn throughout the stay.  You must supply your own mask.

Jimmie Arthur Royal was born on August 20, 1940 in Dooly County, Georgia to his parents, Willie Lee Royal and Mary Lee Cone Royal.  His parents, along with his siblings, Rufus Royal, Robert Lee Royal, Juanita Williams, and Albert Royal, precede him in death.  His beloved granddaughter, Erica Harper, also preceded him  in death. Educated in the public schools of Crisp County, he was a proud 1960 graduate of A. S. Clark High School. His love for sports was developed early as he excelled as a member of the A. S. Clark Rams football team.

Growing up he attended the Greater Morris Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia.

Committed to his role as a provider for his family, he was a loyal employee of Griffin Lumber Company for 53 years. In his earlier years, golfing was his favorite pastimes and he was notably one of the 1st black golfers in Cordele. He also enjoyed playing the lottery, especially CASH 3, and completing word search puzzles. Wherever he was seen, you could rest assured that he would have his trademark toothpick in his mouth. Of all the things he enjoyed the most, he loved his family and he loved seeing his great-grandchildren come over and eat up all the snacks he had bought for them, and then complain about them eating everything.

On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, he peacefully transitioned from this life.  Memories of his life will be cherished by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Louise Parker Royal of Cordele, Georgia; his loving and devoted children, Velana Bivins (Jackie Walker),  Debra Harper, and Kenneth Royal (Katherine Felton) all of Cordele, Georgia, Twana (Demeterius) Royal-Wilson of Byron, Georgia and Wanda Bryant of Washington; his bonus children, Vernetta Murrell of Tifton, Georgia, Wayne Owens of Fayetteville, Calvin (Mary) Johnson of Americus, Georgia, Gathel (Merle) Harris of Tifton, Georgia, Faye Johnson of Cordele, Georgia, Darrell (Bernice) Westbrook of Las Vegas, Nevada, Teresa (Dennis) Mayo, Terry Lane, and Wanda Brown; his grandchildren, Rontavius Dean, his very 1st grandchild who was raised in his home and who also served as his caregiver, Aleia Harper, Tia Wilson, Tyler Wilson, Shameka Cross, Starmon'ai Morris, James Clark, Danielle Bryant-Heaston, Lakeia Burden, and Alicia (Jessie) Block; his great grandchildren, Kavien, Markazia, Ronderious, Erianna, Casey, Tiyo, Kylan, Kayden, Kalani, Conner, Noah, and Rylan; his great-great grandchildren, Khy'arie and Zylan; his loving sisters, Etta Peacock of Cordele, Georgia, Bertha Castor of Jacksonville, Florida, and Beulah Williams of Miami, Florida; his beloved brothers, Johnny Royal and Buford (Cora) Royal both of Cordele, Georgia, and Bobby (Florence) Royal of Miami, Florida; his aunt, Carrestien Carmichael of Warner Robins, Georgia; his in-laws, Helen (EW) Sanders and Henton Dean both of Cordele, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends, to include his special friends, Charlie & Mary Akins, Andre Glenn, and Kaleena Mathis.