On the morning of August 20, 2021, Theodore passed away peacefully of natural causes.  Theodore was in the presence of family at the time of his passing.  Theodore was 96 years old.

Theodore Royce, Sr. was born on December 12, 1924 to Mitchell and Maggie Royce in Lexington, Kentucky.  He attended Booker T. Washington High School in Lexington, KY.  After high school, he joined the Army and met and married his life partner of 76 years, Georgie Louise Royce in Lexington, KY.  It was in Lexington that Theodore and Georgie began their family and later moved to Tyler Texas in 1952 with their daughters, Frances Louise and Billye Jean.  Three years later, a son, Theodore Royce, Jr. was born to complete their family.

Theodore was an active and devoted member of Bethlehem First Baptist Church of Tyler, Texas, where he was a Deacon and a member of the Brotherhood, Senior and Men's Chorus.  In addition to his faithful service, he was longstanding Brother in Masonry of Fred Douglas Masonic Lodge No. 111 in Tyler, Texas.  Theodore was known for his hard work and dedication.  After retiring from Aramark, he worked as a Crossing Guard for the Tyler Independent School District.

In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and cheering for his favorite sports teams: the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Lakers and Texas Rangers. While many things in his life brought him joy, the thing he treasured most was his family.  He often kept mementos from special family events such as birthdays and graduations, as well as personal letters, cards and notes from loved ones.  Theodore was known and loved by many.  His kind and generous spirit endeared him in the hearts of all that came into contact with him.  Theodore was preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell and Maggie Royce, his wife, Georgie Louise, his sisters, Maggie May Haddicks and Stella Royce, his brother James Clay, and his eldest daughter Frances Royce-Crumpton.  He is survived by his daughter, Billye Royce-McKenzie, and son, Theodore Royce, Jr. (Nelwyn) of Tyler, TX, a younger brother, Edmond Royce, Sr, and Mary Belle Trent of Lexington, Kentucky.  He was a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren, Angela Barnes, Kirk Williams, Jerica Rentie, Jenica Oliver (Cedric), Joseph Von Keith Crumpton, Ruben Royce and Tieadra Royce, 17 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.  Theodore's lifelong friends include Hershel Clement, Larry Van Buren and Charles Baxter.