Obituary of James Larry "Jamie" Royal Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Larry “Jamie” Royal, Jr. age 66, who left us peacefully on June 15, 2025. A memorial service for Mr. Royal will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, June 19, 2025, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Joey Hudspeth officiating, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until service time. A celebration of life for Jamie will be held following the memorial service at the home of Robert and Ranee Royal. Mr. Royal was born June 16, 1958 in Hoppstadten, Germany to Hildegard Marie Winter Royal and the late James Larry Royal, Sr. He graduated from Carroll High School in 1977. He began working with Frit Industries and went on to work with Evans Railcar as a welder-fabricator. Jamie later worked with G. E. Railcar in Dothan and worked as a Mechanical Manager with Genesee and Wyoming Railroad Company. James dedicated 47 years of his life to working for the railroad, a career marked by hard work, loyalty, and the quiet pride of a job well done. He was respected by his colleagues and known for his steadfast work ethic and kind heart. Jamie was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was married to the love of his life, Donna Jimmerson Royal, for 38 wonderful years. Together they built a beautiful life and raised three children who were his greatest pride—Courtney, Samantha, and Robert. Jamie was an avid Auburn fan. He enjoyed welding, wood-working, drawing and sketching, model trains and his massive Hot Wheels collection. Outside of work, James was a family man through and through. Whether it was family dinners, weekend projects, or simply enjoying time together, he was happiest surrounded by those he loved. His sense of humor, gentle nature, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He would say daily to his family: feel the love, see the love, hear the love so you can share the love with others. Jamie is preceded in death by his father, James Larry Royal, Sr.; and one brother, Steven Monk. James is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Jimmerson Royal; three children, Courtney White (Michael), Samantha Hughes (Justin), and Robert Royal (Ranee); one brother, John Wayne Royal (Susan); nine grandchildren, Lexi Dansby, Daylon Henderson (Laci), Mackenzie Austin, Waylon Deese, Cameron Royal, Riley Hughes, Andrew Hughes, Makenna Hughes and Cooper Hughes; and his fur-baby, Luna Royal. Many extended family members and friends who will carry his memory forward with love also survive. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Ozark-Dale County Humane Society, P. O. Box 2502, Ozark, Alabama 36361.