West Chatham Chapel

Port Wentworth - Mr. James Royal, 86, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 27, 2008.

Mr. Royal was born in Appling County on May 11, 1922. He was the son of the late Daniel B. Royal, Sr. and the late Ella Carter Royal.

Mr. Royal served his country during WWII from 1942-1945 in the U.S. Army. He worked at the National Gypsum Company for 20 years. He retired from Civil Service at Hunter Army Airfield in 1977. During his retirement years he enjoyed fishing, gardening and he was especially proud of his pecan trees. He was the owner and operator of the Cherokee Mobile Home Park from 1969 - 2007.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Rachel S. Royal; two sons James W. Royal, Sr. of Richmond Hill and Ronald A. Royal (Nita) of Rincon and a daughter Gail R. Kent (R.D.) of Pooler; nine grandchildren, Jamie Royal (Shanon), Daniel Royal (Candi) of Richmond Hill, Nicole K. Bell (Craig) of Savannah, Christopher R. Kent (Becky) of Baltimore, MD, Matthew Hannah of Guyton, Coby Royal of Richmond Hill, Katie Tanner, Mark Tanner and John Royal all of Rincon, five great-grandchildren; Abby Bell, Megan Bell, and Morgan Bell all of Savannah, Aaron Royal and Josie Royal of Richmond Hill; two brothers, Earlie Royal (Evelyn) of Savannah and LaFayette Royal (Norene) of Jacksonville, FL; four sisters, Janet R. Wittkamp of Savannah, Vonell R. Talmadge of Beaufort, SC, Eloise R. Gattis (Bernie) of Conyers, Elnitta R. Reed (R.C.) of Douglas.

Visitation: 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Funeral: 11 a.m. on Friday in the chapel of the funeral home with burial to follow at Hillcrest Abbey West Cemetery.