James W. “Billy” Royal, 41, of Owensboro, left this Earth Tuesday, June 11, 2013, in Owensboro. He was born Jan. 19, 1972, in Owensboro to the late James and Joyce Royal. He was a disabled American veteran and served in Desert Storm with the 24th Infantry Division, where he was awarded several service medals. He was a certified welding inspector, a knowledgeable historian and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 696.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Shannon Royal; five children, Brittany Royal of Ohio County and Coleman, Wesley, Jack and Laney Royal, all at home; one grandson, Levi Moseley; two brothers, Danny Royal and David Royal, both of Owensboro; and two sisters, Sharon Troutman and Cindy Carter, both of Owensboro.
A memorial service was held Saturday at Ridgewood Baptist Church, Owensboro. Burial followed in Sunnydale Cemetery, with military honors conducted by VFW Post 696. James H. Davis Funeral Home & Crematory in Owensboro, was in charge of arrangements. The family requests that expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Billy Royal Memorial fund, c/o Davis Funeral Home, 3009 Frederica St., Owensboro, KY 42301. Messages of condolence may be made at www.davisfuneralhome.com.