Coach Bonwell Royal

          Coach Bonwell Royal, age 83, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away early Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at his home in Douglas. Coach Royal was born in Ambrose, Georgia . He was the son of the late Alfred and the late Allie Irene Royal.

          Coach Royal was the head football coach at Coffee High for twenty-six years. He was also county athletic director for Coffee County schools for many of those years. Royal, who graduated from Coffee High School, was honored to return to his alma mater to coach the game that he loved so much.

          Coach was proud of the fact that he played for the legendary late Coach Bobby Bowden at South Georgia College and then at Samford University (formally Howard College). He learned many of his coaching techniques from his mentor. He believed in his caring about the athlete as a person, but demanding that each give their best.

          Royal was the head coach at Coffee for two stints. He coached from 1972 until 1993 and, then, again from 2001 until 2004. Under his leadership, Coffee won three region titles. Coffee won these titles in 1981, 1982, and 2002. He led Coffee to the class 4A semifinal championship in 1982. Coach’s head coaching record, which included his tenure at Manchester High School (1969-1971), was 185-115-5. He had opportunities to go to higher level to coach, but his love was of high school boys. He enjoyed seeing them develop at that age. Personally, he particularly enjoyed coaching his son John and having his daughter Angie cheer for his beloved Trojans.

          Besides his love for football, Royal was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved spending time in Nature. Until his illness, he was an active member of the Douglas First Methodist Church. He served many years as an usher and on the Administrative Council. He was a member of the Whitfield Sunday School class.

          Royal was preceded in death by his parents. He was also preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers.

          Survivors include his wife of fifty-nine years Betty, his son John Royal and wife Melissa of Woodstock, Georgia, his daughter Angie Royal Smith and her husband Ben of Johns Creek, Georgia, five grandchildren Avery Smith of Atlanta, Georgia, Ansley Royal of Kennesaw, Georgia, Ellie Royal of Woodstock, Georgia, Jack Royal of Ball Ground, Georgia, and Lucy Royal of Woodstock, Georgia, step-grandsons Grant Mark, Griffin Mark, and step-granddaughter Sara Mark.

          Visitation for Coach Royal will be at the Coffee High gym on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be at Douglas First Methodist Church on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 2 pm. Coach will lie in state from 1 to 2 pm prior to the service. Eulogies will be presented by Dr. Shawn Utley, Pernell Smith, Greg Walker, and Coach Mike Coe.

Pallbearers will be Jack Royal, Max Vickers, Terry Roberson, Steve Bailey, Derek Henderson, Stan Hughes, Andre “Pulpwood” Smith, and Greg Lewis. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Morris Leis, Jimmy Leis, Myron Newton, Chris Jenkins, Charlie Pope, Wayne Raulerson, Sammy Lastinger, John Coffee, Mack Jones, Bud Drew, Stacy Carver, Drew Tanner, Bob Chaney, Red Marshall, Gene Wade, Stanley Lott, Greg Gore, the Whitfield Sunday School class, the Bonepickers, and all former Coffee High School players who played for Coach Royal.

          Interment will be in the New Hope Church Cemetery in Ambrose, Georgia.

          Sims Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.