Sheriff Randall Franklin Royal Waycross, Georgia Obituary

Sheriff Randall Franklin Royal

Sheriff Randy F. Royal, 57, died Wednesday morning (January 13, 2021) at his residence following a short illness. Randy was born in Waycross, Georgia on July 6, 1963 to the late Curtis Franklin Royal and Lavada Royal. He was a lifelong resident of Ware County, Georgia. He began his law enforcement career in 1980 as a Dispatcher at the Ware County Sheriff's Office. He quickly advanced through the ranks becoming a Major of Administration under both Sheriff Bond and Sheriff McQuaig. Sheriff Royal held every rank at the Sheriff's Office up through Major. Sheriff Royal's career culminated with his election to become the Ware County Sheriff in 2008, taking office in January 2009. While working, Sheriff Royal was able to obtain the following degrees: an Associate of Arts degree from South Georgia College in 2002, a Bachelor's of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Albany State University in 2004, and a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University in 2005. Sheriff Royal has served on numerous committees and boards on both the local and state levels. At the county level, Sheriff Royal was active in assisting the local domestic violence shelter (the Magnolia House). He was instrumental in supporting the forthcoming creation of a family justice center; to create a centralized location for victims' care and get all services under one roof including law enforcement assistance. He also was a stolid supporter of the Satilla Advocacy Center, which helps victims of sexual assault. Sheriff Royal is a graduate of a Regional Police Academy, and he is a 2008 graduate of the Georgia Sheriffs' Academy. Sheriff Royal was a recipient of the Exchange Club Officer of the Year award. During Royal's tenure as Sheriff, he was successful in the creation of a Sheriff's Office-administered Drug Enforcement Unit to curtail drug activity in the county's unincorporated areas. Sheriff Royal also formed a K-9 unit within the Sheriff's Office to further intercept and curtail illicit drug activity. Through shrewd budgeting and management, Sheriff Royal was able to procure some of the finest equipment for his deputies and detectives in the region. Sheriff Royal was also able to meticulously manage the jail population in order to house for the federal government and other area jails—averaging a net gain to the citizens of Ware County. In addition to many other achievements, Sheriff Royal was a driven Sheriff. Sheriff Royal always tried to be holistic in his approach to law enforcement—taking the approach that if all facets within the Sheriff's Office and community work together the whole county would be a better place. He helped to ensure a robust program to ensure inmates at the Ware County Jail had access to religious services. Sheriff Royal also helped to ensure a multitude of other improvements were instituted that served the people of Ware County. Sheriff Royal was predeceased by: his parents Mr. Curtis Franklin Royal and Mrs. Lavada Royal; brother Kim Russell Royal; paternal grandparents Mr. Harlow Henry Royal and Mrs. Reliza Royal, maternal grandparents Mr. George W. Eason and Mrs. Vera May Eason. Randy is survived by: his sister, Rhonda (Gene) Strawder of Waycross; brother Terry Royal; niece Nikki Bagley (Tommy); nephew Jacob Royal (son Eason); niece Emily Royal (Larry Ross); niece Sara Spradley (Trevor); niece Abbie Strawder (Tyler Nelson). A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday (January 16, 2021) at Central Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Those desiring to pay their respects to the Sheriff may do so Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Music Funeral Home. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to make a memorial donation in Sheriff Royal’s memory to the ALS Association (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Donations can be made at www.als.org/donate. *** Masks and social distancing during attendance at these services are recommended. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook, or viewing the video tribute and funeral service recording at www.musicfuneralhome.com. Music Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
July 6, 1963 - January 13, 202107/06/196301/13/2021
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Tribute wall

Plant a tree in memory of Sheriff Randall

An environmentally friendly option
4 trees planted in memory of Sheriff Randall Franklin Royal.
M
Music Funeral Home
January 16, 2021
M
Music Funeral Home
January 15, 2021
T
Team Axon
February 7, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Sheriff Royal had an amazing career and impact on Law Enforcement and our communities. Forever in our prayers.
Simple Sorrows

Simple Sorrows was purchased for the family of Sheriff Randall Franklin Royal.

S
Sabrina Smith
January 25, 2021
I have always thought the world of Sheriff Royal. When I first started working at the City of Waycross back in 1997, I remember going to the luncheons at the sheriff’s department with Sam Ray. He & Randy were good friends as well. Both men gone too soon. Rest In Peace Ra... Continue Reading
M
Monica Wade - Sumter Co. Sheriff's Office
January 19, 2021
Please except our deepest condolences for the passing of Sheriff Royal. He was a great man and servant to the community. We send prayers to the family. The Sumter Co. Sheriff's Office, Americus Ga.
T
Thomas Williams
January 17, 2021
My heart is saddened by the loss of Randy. He was truly a committed servant to his community. He was always professional, but he had a very personal approach to his professionalism. He was gracious, kind and supportive. He was more than a professional acquaintance; h... Continue Reading
P
Paschall Family
January 17, 2021
Mrs. Rhonda we would like to express our deepest condolences to you and the family. May your memories give you peace and comfort.
c
chuck woodard
January 16, 2021
R.I.P randy,always a friend.
f
firstladymhg@aol.com
January 16, 2021
The Officers and Members of Faith United COLG., Inc./Cathedral of Faith Ministries express our condolences to the family of the late Sheriff Randall Royal. Sheriff Royal always extended any assistance he could when requested. He betol the Honorary Deputy Sheriff Certif... Continue Reading
Carlene Dukes
January 16, 2021
From teaching CPR with Sheriff Royal many, many years ago to seeing him at ballgames and in the community, Randy Royal was a great man with a heart for his community. He will never be replaced and will always be cherished for his kindness and dedication to Ware County. ... Continue Reading
P
Poole2poole@yahoo.com
January 16, 2021
May God be with you during this time. Sheriff Royal will be dearly missed by all. The Armstrong Family truly loved him. May God continue to hold and keep you. Ramona Armstrong
Mary Lou Corbitt
January 16, 2021
Ware County has lost a great man. He was the same everytime you saw him. I can still remember him coming into Shoney's for his Strawberry Pie. He would always say when you make my pie sprinkle some of that real sugar on top of it and then add the whip cream. He always we... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for Sheriff Randall Franklin Royal.
A candle was posted for Sheriff Randall Franklin Royal.