John Wayne Royal

May 16, 1957 - December 26, 2014

John Wayne Royal, 57, of Monrovia, suddenly passed from this life on Friday, December 26, 2014, while at work in Indianapolis. He was born on May 16, 1957, in Martinsville, to Leo Kermit and Lou Ann (Fluke) Royal. John graduated from Martinsville High School. At a very young age he developed a strong work ethic, Christian faith, and interest in racing. As a teenager, John drag raced motorcycles and often ran his ’69 Camaro around town with friends, where it was determined he liked to Go Fast! He was fascinated with anything with wheels and worked on the open road “driving his life away” in his semi for various trucking companies in Indianapolis. Above all, he cherished spending time with family and friends at various go-kart and sprint races at the local tracks in Paragon, Brown County and Columbus. John lived life by motivating and encouraging others around him. John was the patriarch of his family and selflessly put others before himself. Known as the “gentle giant,” he truly cared for people and served as a role model mentoring his sons and their friends. John’s loving and uplifting personality will be missed by all who were blessed to know him. He had a large group of friends, but to John, they were his “best” friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Kermit Royal. Survivors include the love of his life and wife of 33 years, Jackie (Woodall) Royal, to whom he was united in marriage on August 1, 1981; sons, Ajaye and Aaron Royal of Monrovia; mother, Lou Ann (Fluke) Royal of Martinsville; brothers, Jimmy Royal of Greenwood, Jerry Royal of Illinois, Jack Royal of Martinsville; sisters Joyce Gillaspy of Martinsville and Julie Lee of Martinsville; many nieces and nephews; special niece and nephew, Krista and Eric Royal and special great nephew, Brantlee St. John. Friends and family are invited to visit from 4 to 8pm, on Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, Monrovia. A celebration of life service will be held at 1pm, on Wednesday, December 31, 2014, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery, in Wilbur. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to help offset funeral expenses c/o Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, 585 E. Main Street, Monrovia IN 46157. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.lightmemorial.com.