Luther Wilburn Royal

CLAXTON: Luther Wilburn Royal, Jr., 78, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026. Born in Thomasville, he made his home in Claxton as a young man and is remembered for his generous spirit and servant’s heart. Luther was born on March 30, 1947, to Luther and Susie Royal.

Luther served the city of Claxton for sixteen years as a councilman, followed by eleven years as Mayor. He founded Royal Refrigeration in 1977 and remained active with the company until the day he passed away. He was a proud member of the local motorcycle club. Through the years, he visited numerous states with the club, most recently the Greenville, Tennessee area. He was a long-time member of the Claxton Rotary Club. He was a member of Rehoboth Missionary Baptist Church, holding several positions of service through the years.

In addition to his parents, Luther is proceeded in death by his sister, Monteal Butler, as well as the mother of Trey and Lance, LaVerne Smith Bandy.

SURVIVORS: wife of thirty-nine years, Faye McDonald Royal; three sons, Trey (LeAnn) Royal, Lance Royal and Drew (Kamarie) Miles; eight grandchildren, Alexandria, Gabriella, Isabella, Lane, Archie, Kole, Hudson and Charolette. Other survivors include his sister, Debbie (Pat) Crawford; and brother-in-law, Johnny Mack Butler.

VISITATION: February 5, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Rehoboth Missionary Baptist Church.

FUNERAL: February 5, 2026, 2:00 p.m. at Rehoboth Missionary Baptist Church.

BURIAL: Brewton Cemetery.

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

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