Larry Lamar Royals

Larry Royals, 71
of Sparks, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Tift Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born on October 11, 1953, in Hahira, Georgia, to the late Julian Claudie “JC” Royals and Oleta Gaskins. Larry had a heart full of fun and a love for life that was as big as the Georgia sky. You’d rarely see him without a Mountain Dew Zero in hand, and he loved hittin’ the road—whether it was a peaceful trip to the mountains or a quiet getaway to Ray’s Millpond, especially if he had good friends along to share the time. A true outdoorsman at heart, Larry had a deep passion for fishin’, duck huntin’, and just about any sport you could think of. He had a special love for basketball—both playin’ and watchin’—and was a die-hard fan of the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs. A man of deep faith, Larry was a proud, lifelong member of Little Block Holiness Church, where he found strength and fellowship that carried him through life. He was the kind of man who’d always lend a hand to anyone in need, offerin’ comfort and help wherever he could. Larry adored his grandchildren and cherished every moment he got to spend with them. But more than anything, he loved good food and the simple pleasure of gatherin’ around the table with family and friends, enjoying a meal and the company of the people he loved most. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 35 years, Patty Royals, and his brothers: Billy Royals, Bob Royals, and Gary Royals. Survivors include: Son and daughter-in-law: Jimmy Royals (Sandra Guest), Hahira, Georgia; Son and daughter-in-law: Tim Royals (Crystal), Lake Park, Georgia; Stepdaughter and stepson-in-law: Lynn Schroeder (Ray), Hazlehurst, Georgia; Grandchildren: Brandon Schroeder, Shane Schroeder, and Breanna Dukes (Gage), Kirstie Dixon, Gracin Carter. Great-grandchildren: Brently, Haisley, and Ensley Schroeder; Caelun Branch; and Lainey Wooten. Sister: Faye Bailey, Lakeland, Georgia. Sister and brother-in-law: Ernestine Mathis (Donald), Nashville, Georgia. Sister and brother-in-law: Donna Culpepper (Tim), Valdosta, Georgia. Special brother-in-law: Larry Phillips, Sparks, Georgia. Numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Special friends: Leroy “Bubba” Hines, Faye Morris, and Judy Holmes.Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Lakeland Chapel of Music Funeral Services. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Little Block Holiness Church at 9751 Hwy 37, Ray City, Georgia 31645. Kind words and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com . The Royals family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland.