Thomas Royal

ROYAL, Thomas John - Age 86, of Flint Township, died Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 AM Monday, November 15, 2021 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3139 Hogarth Ave. Flint. Fr. Anthony Strouse celebrant. Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek Sunday from 3-8 PM and at church Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass. Those desiring may make contributions to Great Lakes Burn Camp for Kids or the American Lung Association. Thomas was born December 15, 1934 in Owosso, the son of Edward Ruben and Mary Josephine (Chavora) Royal. He was a 1952 graduate of Utley High School where he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He met the love of his life, Sally, at Ballenger Park playing tennis. He married Sally Ann Carpenter June 2, 1956 and she preceded him in death December 21, 2020. He had resided in Flint his entire life. Thomas retired from Buick City as a fireman. He was a fireman for over 60 years including being a volunteer and the Assistant Fire Chief for the Beecher Fire Department and then becoming a volunteer fireman for the Flint Township Fire Department at Station 1. He worked at All Sports in downtown Flint after high school where 2 local coaches recruited him in 1955 to become a high school official. He became a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association where he officiated football, boy's and girl's basketball, and girl's softball for over 60 years and became one of the top Officials in Genesee County. In 2005, he was one of 7 officials chosen to go to Australia to officiate US football between US and Australian high school level players. Tom and Sally enjoyed going to Florida for many years after his retirement where they made several close friends. Tom also enjoyed his weekly walks at Genesee Valley with the mall walkers. Surviving are: his children, Thomas "T.J." (Joy) Royal of Mt. Morris, Joanne (Bill) Dunavant of Ypsilanti, and Barbara (Andy) Furno of Clarkston; grandchildren, Matthew (Jessie) Dunavant, Christopher Dunavant, James Sutherland, Danyelle (Richard) Gilliam, and Evan Furno; great grandchildren, Archer, Aiden, Eva, Caleb, and Bailey; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Edward Junior and Robert Paul Royal. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com . The family would like to thank the many nurses and staff at Ascension Genesys Hospital Transitional Care Unit and Select Hospital at McLaren for the love and support they gave our Dad during his stay.