Jesup, Ga.

James Kenneth Royal, age 83, died Thursday, July 20, 2017, at St. Joseph's Hospital after a short illness.  He was a native of Georgia, born in Appling County and had lived in Jesup since 1963. He was the son of the late Wilford Royal and the late Lorene Peacock Royal.  After finishing high school in Appling County, Georgia, he joined the United States Air Force and served as a member of the Strategic Air Command during the Korean War.  He attended college and law school at the University of Georgia.  While in law school he was elected and served as Chief Justice of the Honor Court and was a member of PHI Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and  the Demosthenian Literary Society.  After law school, he practiced law in Jesup for 30 years, served as city attorney for the city of Screven and Odum and was a member of the Jesup and Georgia Bar Associations.  He was a Deputy Assistant Attorney for the State of Georgia and solicitor of the State Court of Wayne County, Georgia for twelve years, past president of the Rotary Club and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Wayne County Board of Realtors, Elk's Club and Jesup Jaycees, member and past chairman of the Wayne County Library Board and member of the HUD Revitalization Board.  His work continued at Morris Holdings, Inc., a holding corporation for 20 years. As a member of First United Methodist Church, Ken was active as a choir member.  One of his favorite pastimes was flying single engine airplanes and spending time with his family, especially grandson, Reilly. He was predeceased by his brother, William E. Royal of Brunswick and a sister, Wilfordene Royal Godbee.

Survivors are his wife of 52 years, Ann Ogden Royal of Jesup; a daughter, Courtney (Ryan) Sharpe of Tampa, Fla.; a grandson, Reilly James Sharpe of Tampa, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Lynn Ellzey Royal of Brunswick; 4 nephews.

Funeral services will be 2 P.M. Sunday, July 23, 2017 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup with Rev. Tucker Lewis officiating.  Private family interment will be in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Rick Thomas, Jim Westberry, Luther Hires, Greg Mathis, Kevin and Daniel Mathis, William Rinehart.

Visitation will be 1 to 2 P.M. prior to services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 205 East Cherry Street, Jesup, Ga. 31546.

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