Obituary of Bobby Lee Royal Sr.

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bobby Lee Royal, Sr., 85, of Vineland, NJ, on July 4, 2026, following a short illness. Bobby was under the care of hospice in the comfort of his own home with his devoted wife, Carmen, always by his side. In the end, he held her hand as he peacefully passed away. Bobby was a native of Danville, Virginia, the son of the late Annie Mae Petty and Jeremiah Petty (stepfather). He attended John Mercer Langston High School in Danville, Va. and Hampton University for a short time before joining the United States Air Force from 1963-1967 where he earned the rank of Sergeant. He attended Atlantic Community College (ACC) where he was a successful basketball player. After completing an associates degree at ACC, Bobby earned a bachelor's degree in business from Rider University and then went on to Antioch University to earn a Master's of Arts in Administration. He also performed post-graduate studies at Nova Southeastern University. Bobby joined Atlantic Community College in 1974 as Assistant Director of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program and was promoted to EOF Director two years later. In 1982, he became Coordinator for Continuing Education Program Development. Three years later, he was named Assistant Dean of Students for Special Programs and Director of Athletics. He served in this position until 1988 when he became Director of Admissions and College Recruitment. As Bobby advanced professionally at the college, he was promoted to Executive Director of Admissions and College Recruitment in 1997, and then was later named Executive Assistant to the President. In 2006, Bobby was again promoted to Dean of Community Affairs and the Worthington Atlantic City Campus. He was also responsible for the Security department. In addition, Bobby taught Atlantic Cape business and management courses, and a variety of continuing education seminars and workshops, including the Sands Upward Mobility Program and Casino Management. Bobby served as assistant basketball coach and later served as head coach when he revived the basketball program in 1991. He coached his Alma Mater to a Region XIX Southern Division Championships in 1997-1998, and was named Coach of the Year by the NJ Collegiate Basketball Coaches Association. In 2023, the athletic department and the basketball program honored Bobby for his 38 years of leadership and contribution to the college including the athletics program. In addition to his professional successes, Bobby served his community in a variety of endeavors, including the Atlantic County Child Care Placement Review Board, the county's Advisory Commission on Women, the Manpower Board, Mainland Jaycee's and as a former moderator and trustee at the Community Baptist Church. In 1994, Bobby was one of two recipients of the Atlantic County Government's Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Award as a resident who exemplified the "spirit of Dr. King through distinguished service, active involvement and dedication to the community." In 2010, he was honored with the TAIT McKenzie Award for distinguished service to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. For several years in conjunction with Stockton University, Bobby coordinated the Holocaust Awareness Program. He also served as President of Main Street Atlantic City. On June 27, 1984, Bobby L. Royal, Sr., was initiated into Atlantic City's Alpha Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Bobby had many passions, including his unwavering faith, his love of music, and the game of golf. His faith was the foundation of his life, guiding his actions and the way he cared for those around him. Whether you found Bobby playing hymns, singing gospel songs, composing and improvising jazz on the piano, learning to read music later in life, or simply listening to a wide variety of music, it was clear that music held a special place in his heart. It brought him joy, expressed his creativity, and had a way of bringing people together. Whenever Bobby played or sang, he had a remarkable ability to light up the room and brighten the hearts of everyone around him. Bobby was an avid golfer and the best dressed one on the course. While he was a competitive athlete, he enjoyed the comradery and friendships developed on the course. He enjoyed playing golf throughout the east coast but mostly in Florida during the winter months. Bobby was a man of deep faith and unwavering love. His relationship with God was the foundation of his life, shaping the way he loved, served, and encouraged those around him. His faith was not only something he believed—it was something he lived every day. Bobby leaves us with a beautiful example of a life lived with faith, gratitude, and joy. He reminded us that it's never too late to learn something new, to share the gifts God has given us, or to brighten someone's day with a kind word, a song, or a smile. Bobby had a gift for bringing people together with his genuine warmth, ability to light up a room with his smile, and his unwavering love for his family and friends. Bobby always had the ability to command the room drawing people in with his natural charisma and presence. He lived fully, loved deeply, and left an unforgettable mark on everyone he met. Bobby is lovingly survived by his wife, Carmen, the love of his life for the past 26 years. Their love grew out of a friendship that started 46 years ago when he hired Carmen to work at the college. She became his colleague, confidant, and friend. They fostered a marriage filled with adventure, laughter, and love of family. For many years, they snowbird in Florida, traveled, played golf, and enjoyed their beautiful home that they built together. Through their marriage, they cultivated many family traditions and special memories with their grandchildren Stan Jr., Justin, Gabriel, and Vanessa which they will cherish throughout their lifetime. Bobby is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Carmen (Sanchez), his sons Bobby Jr., of Virginia, and Jerrell of Missouri, and two bonus children whom he loved as his own, Stan Ojeda (Brendalis) of Mickleton, NJ, and Stephanie Ojeda from Maryland, a brother-in-law Osvaldo Sanchez (Maribel) of Vineland, NJ. In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Puryear, of Danville, Va. A funeral home visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11th from 10am to 12pm followed by a funeral service at 12pm from Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com