Royal Franklin Mallard, 88, of Jesup, Ga. passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025.  The Wayne County native was a member and former deacon of First Freewill Baptist Church and a 42 ½ year retiree with ITT Rayonier employee.

Royal was born June 8, 1937 to the late Leonard Odis, Sr. and Pauline Mallard. On April 4, 1957, he married the love of his life, Alice, and together they built a beautiful life filled with family and love.  Royal was a farmer, fisherman and woodworker. He instilled the love of family and good work ethics into his family. "Poppa" as he was affectionately called never missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren. He was always one of their biggest fans, always cheering them on the sidelines. Royal also enjoyed cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs Football Team.

Royal enjoyed spending time in the country at "Poppa's Pond House" that was built with love for friends and family to gather. Most mornings you could find him at the local Hardee's sharing coffee and stories with his friends.

His wife of 64 years, Alice Mallard preceded him in death along with a son, Kim Mallard and his brothers, Jack and Odis Mallard.

Survivors are a daughter, Rhonda (Wayne) Townsend of Jesup; grandchildren, Kimberly (Lee) Bradford and Dane (Jamie) Townsend, both of Jesup; sisters, Gracie (Hinton) Johnson, Ivalene Miles, Pat Branch and Julia Webster; a brother, Roger (Sharon) Mallard. He was also the best "Poppa" to 9 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at Rinehart Chapel with Rev. Terry Henneke officiating. Private family burial will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be his family.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.