- Date Of Birth: May 20, 1928
- Date Of Death: October 28, 2021
- State: Florida
Claude C. Royster, Jr. a long time, a very long-time resident of Fort Walton Beach, Florida passed away peacefully at home Thursday, October 28, 2021. To be honest I find writing this for him to be a daunting task. The words that best describe Claude, my father, is the man, the myth, the legend. I will attempt to cover the highlights of his 93 years.
Claude was born May 20, 1928, in Kingstree, South Carolina. He was a beloved son to the late Claude Sr. and Ruby Royster, married to the love of his life, Bobbie Jean Royster, deceased, a cherished father to Claude “Skip” Royster III (Brenda) and Amanda Royster-Gillespie (Gary), a devoted grandfather to Lacey Miller (TJ), Claude “Sandy” Royster IV and Jessica Cooper (Ryan) and equally devoted great grandfather to Braedyn Barnett (Daylan), Zach Cooper, Claude Royster V, and Alex Royster, with a great, great-granddaughter on the way Oakleigh Barnett, brother to Sam Royster, brother-in-law Buck Currence (Gloria) a cherished uncle to Deborah Walker, Donna Mills (Tim), Sherrie Gershon (Bill Daws), Brett Currence (Kathy) and Tracy Hires (Mitch) and great uncle to all their children.
Claude was born into a tobacco farming family and knew very early on that he desired a different life. He attended Cedar Swamp School through to the 12th grade and loved attending his high school reunions every year. When he saw Bobbie Jean it was love at first sight for him, they were married on January 26, 1952. During the Korean conflict, he was drafted and did his mandatory two-year stint as an MP, and taught recruits how to use various weapons in the arsonal. Great stories for another day!
In between all of that, Claude had many other accomplishments and loves. He loved to dance to every type of music of his era, hunting, fishing, and traveling. Claude was one of the first Fire Commissioners for the Ocean City Fire Department. He was active and instrumental in several projects at Choctawhatchee High School with the band and softball/soccer field house and dugouts.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Weisbruch and his wonderful team for taking such good care of Daddy and VITAS (Hospice) Healthcare, especially his sweet nurse, Stephanie Garrity. Again, Thank You All!
?k=1635560051145447
