Gary Walter Royal

Evans, GA - Mr. Gary Walter Royal, aged 71, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 21, 2024. A devoted husband to Catherine (Cathy) Ellen Stone Royal, Gary was a cherished figure in his community and family. The memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, February 3 at 10:00 am at North Augusta Bible Chapel, with Rod Sharp officiating. Interment will follow at a later date in Anthony Cemetery, Anthony, FL.

Born and raised in Ocala, FL, Gary was the beloved grandson of Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Camp and the Camp family. He was an exceptional student, graduating as valedictorian from Ocala High School in 1970. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brown University in 1974, where he met his beloved wife Catherine during their freshman orientation week. Their romance blossomed quickly and endured through college, leading to their marriage in Massachusetts a week after graduation. The couple was looking forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary in May of this year.

Gary's early career was diverse. After working for the U.S. Postal Service during his college years, he briefly sold life insurance in Ocala. He then transitioned to a research laboratory technician role in immunology at the University of Florida under Dr. Heinz Wittig. The family moved to the Baltimore-Washington area in 1978 when Cathy secured a job at the National Security Agency (NSA). Gary worked in another immunology research lab in Baltimore, trained as an air traffic controller in Northern Virginia, but ultimately found his calling in computer science. He joined the National Security Agency as an intern in 1981, a career move that defined his professional life.

Over his career at the NSA, Gary specialized in various subdisciplines, including hardware, networking, software, computer security, mainframe and supercomputer maintenance, computer control and automation, and finally finance and budget. In the mid-1990s, he moved his family to Evans, GA, to work at Fort Gordon. Here, he also brought his widowed mother, Annie Ruth Camp Royal, to live with them until her passing 15 years later. A devoted family man, Gary helped his wife to homeschool their children, conducting chemistry labs in the kitchen, correcting the endless stream of homework papers, and providing counseling and home computer technical support.

Gary's faith in the LORD Jesus Christ was a cornerstone of his life. After overcoming early skepticism, he made a decision to follow Christ with his whole heart, engaging in regular, intensive Bible study. He loved the fellowship and friendship of the believers, teaching scripture, and participating in Bible study and prayer groups. In 2013, he was invited to join Gideons International, serving as treasurer for the local camp and participating in numerous Bible distributions. He cared deeply about the men in his weekly Bible study group at North Augusta Bible Chapel and would not miss a meeting with them unless he was sick. He felt the same about the Gideons with whom he gathered weekly to pray.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Catherine; their children Crista Royal, Matthew Royal (John Royal), and Charlotte Royal Moline (Peter Moline); his siblings, David Royal (Merris Royal) and Allen Royal (Kathleen Royal); and other loving family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Ernest and Annie Ruth Camp Royal.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors for their compassionate service. They also express their gratitude to Columbia County Emergency Services personnel and the Sheriff’s Office – the best in the nation.

Flowers for the Memorial service can be sent to the Royals’ house. Or, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, Augusta South Camp U10157, P.O. Box 9414, Augusta, GA 30906.