Samuel Royse was born on February 14, 1936 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He was one of twelve children born to Carl Augustus Royse and Lillie Bell George Royse. He died on August 19, 2013 at the age of 77. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, and by siblings Sarah Elizabeth Royse, John Carl Royse, Fred Joseph Royse, Mary Frances Bradsher, Lucille Brooks, and Vera Bell Bussell. He was survived by brothers Richard Henry Royse and James Charles Royse, and sisters Emma Fay Owings, Ellen Laverne Saxton, Bettye Lorene Cross, and many nieces and nephews. Sam attended Hardin Elementary and Dollarway schools. He was a long-time resident of Sheridan, Arkansas and a member of First Baptist Church. Sam learned to take care of himself and lived independently, despite many challenges. Until recently, he could be found working at Wal-Mart on the days he didn't have kidney dialysis. He had also worked at Ben Pearson, West Bend, Catherine's Restaurant, and McDonalds. Sam did landscaping and yard work as well. He was a veteran of the Navy. Sam seldom complained about his circumstances, and was accustomed to solving his own problems. He was often very creative in doing so. On Sundays, Sam faithfully attended First Baptist Church. Sam loved nothing better than to help with two and three year olds at Sunday School. He enjoyed gospel music, and one of his last acts was to roll his wheelchair to the cafeteria of the nursing home to listen to some hymn singing. Those who knew Sam respected his perseverance and faithfulness. One of his favorite Bible verses was Proverbs 3:5. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." We will miss Sam, but he is no longer struggling. He is with the One he trusted all these years.

A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 25, 2013 at First Baptist Church in Sheridan with Bro. Ernest DeSoto officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Children's Ministry, 1201 South Rock, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150.