Billy Joe Royal Obituary

Billy Joe thanks for being the special friend you were.

He was one of the best singers. He will be missed. Sing away in Heaven.

STILL MISS SEEING HIM BUT HIS SONGS WILL LIVE ON

Condolences to his family

Great singer with a unique voice! No other sounds like him

I was a 15 year old teen when I first heard his music! I loved his singing! Sandy Espy from North West Georgia! We lost a great singer! RIP

Really miss him altho songs will last forever

Godspeed Billy, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us, the wonderful memories, and some of the anthems of my youth, and beyond. Unforgettable. Again, thank you Billy, and again, unforgettable.

Loved his music for a long time.When I saw him in concerts it warmed my heart.He was a kind loving man.I will miss him but I listen to him daily.

Thank you so much for your songs.I had the privilege meeting you. You were the nicest person. I really miss you. Rest in Peace

I was privileged to see Billy Joe perform some years ago at the Hollywood Casino, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

What a thrill it was to see Mr. Royal years ago perform at the Watermelon Thump in Luling, Texas. His passing is a tremendous loss.

You are missed so much. I had the privilege of meeting you at the Scope in Norfolk, Va. I still listen to your songs. My trips would not be a access if i didn't play your songs. I started listening to you when I was a teenager and I'm 71 years old and still listening to your songs. Rest In peace, sing with the angels.

I met Billy Joe Royal one evening back in the late 1980's while lodging in the old Best Western Motel, Sweetwater, TN. I was sitting next to him in the lounge and at the time did not recognize him. We talked and he asked me where I was traveling. I mentioned to him that I was with the U.S.Army and was passing through to pick up a vehicle. He thanked me for my service and shook my hand while introducing himself. We talked with each other for awhile and he told me he was traveling to his next gig.Billy Joe bought me a drink even though I tried to tell him I would pay for drinks. He was the nicest man and down to earth person. Before departing the lounge we shook hands again and he said he would see me at breakfast maybe the next morning. Sure enough Billy was in the dining room and he asked me to join him for breakfast. We enjoyed more conversations before departing the hotel dining room. We shook hands and both went our way. Billy was driving a red Cadillac and pulling a small trailer as he left the hotel parking lot. Great memory for me. I was fortunate to meet him again before a performance at the old President Casino, Biloxi, MS several years later. He recalled our initial meeting and I enjoyed a great packed house performance. Loved his music. What a beautiful voice so unique. Very nice person. R.I.P my friend.

I still remember some of the words from Down In The Boondocks. Thank you!

I MET BILLY JOE ROYAL IN LOUISVILLE, KY IN THE EARLY 80'S. HE WAS VERY SWEET AND KIND TO ME. I LOVED HIS VOICE AND STYLE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE BILLY. CYNTHIA

will miss yoursweet voice and sweet smile.love you forever.rest in peace Billy Joe.

You ARE so very special and always will be.

Loved you Billy Joe

Still listening. I'll always remember.

RIP

Still missing you so much! Rest IN Peace

Billy,
I was in the 9th grade,...bought the 45 of 'Down in the Boondocks'. I was an early drummer with a set and listened to that record over and over and over to get every 'kick' down. Early inspiration. The lyrics were so honest. You rest in peace dear music brother.

My wife and I have been fans since your first recording. God bless a great singer and professional. Saw Billy and BJ in concert a in minnesota and they both knocked it out of the park. Very very impressed and pleased Billy Joe was from my era. We will miss seeing him grow old with us.

Saw you several times in person; the most memorable one being at Roy Granger's cabin near Alexander City, Al. Very intimate setting and I really enjoyed the concert. R.I.P. my friend.

Oh I remember the days of Sound Recording Studio, jam sessions, Joe, BJ, Ronnie Milsap starting out at roller skating rinks in Atlanta area - LeMans & yes Cherry Hill townhomes, bands playing, parties, and the best music ever!

Rest in peace...heaven's got some awesome music going on up there!

JJ

I remember one year you came other to Phoenix for a concert and you invited my dad ( your cousin jerry) and mom to come and announced that they where celebrating their anniversary. My mom told me down in the boondocks was pretty truthful since your grandmother my greatgrandmother would make moonshine in the bathtub. I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet you. You will be missed

U were the greatest

Gone but not forgotten always in my heart ❤ your friend in Texas.see you when I get to the gates of heaven. Victoria

We will miss you Billy Joe.

We will miss you Billy Joe

One of the most beautiful voices .... EVER! Just found out he died and in my state at that. My heart is broken. Have just about every song he ever sung. Down in the Boondocks was the first and at a very special time in my life and it still holds such sweet and great memories. He's singing with the angels now. RIP BJR

I will miss u Billy Joe Royal..R.I.P.

I never met Billy Joe Royal. I came to his memorial page to see if I could find out what had happened to his sister Christine Royal over the years. His obituary indicates that Billy Joe was preceded in death by a sister named Tina. I assume Tina was the person that I knew as Christina when I had her in an English class that I taught at Campbell High School in the early 1960's. I'm saddened to learn that she is dead. I wanted to express my condolences to her on the death of her brother. If any of Christina's children or grandchildren happen to read this, I would like to tell them that Tina was a lovely, charismatic 9th grade student when I had her in my class more than 50 years ago. Obviously, she was a memorable student. Hugh Watson, Smyrna, Georgia.

My stepdad was playing a tape of Mr.Royal the sing was I'll pin a note on your pillow,I never heard of Mr.Royal until then I've loved his music ever since .RIP .My prayers go out to his family.

Thank you Mr. Royal for sharing your gift with us for so long. I have loved your music for the last 55 years. You will be missed but always remembered. My sincerest condolences go out to your family, friends, and fans.

Grew up listening to this powerful vocalist.. Many great memories.. its always a pleasure and comfort hearing his turn on a song...going to miss you being around... rest in peace my friend..

I loved his songs, sound, and only saw him preform one time. Love it. My condolences to his family. A fan, Mary May

As an officer with the WV Coal Festival in Madison, WV, I got to help select the entertainment for our annual June event. I twice met Billy Joe Royal and considered him a great talent. I grew up listening to his music. I was saddened to learn of his death. I now he's now singing in God's kingdom and he will be missed. He never considered himself better than the rest and that made him a quality individual.

My prayers and thoughts are with the Billy Joe Royal family, what a great singer. I am from Richmond Hill, Ga, 15 miles southof Saannah, Ga. I cn remeber going to tjhe Bambo Ranch in Savanah, Georgia. matter of fact his mother use to come sit at the table with us. those were the good old days. There use to be a girl named Sammy Smith that sung smoke gets in your eyes. Billy Joe will surely be missed. Love him and still do.

Billy Joe, I saw you at the Fenton, MI, fair in the late 80s and your voice knocked me out. I have been a fan ever since. I went on UTube tonight to listen to some of your tunes and discovered to my horror that you had passed. I still can't believe it. Had to come and read your obit to make sure it was true. May you rest in peace. You will be missed by your fans.

You will be missed.

May the flames burn on in Heaven, God truly got himself an angel. Rest in peace! I will love you forever and ever.I can't say how thankful I am for the memories we shared. You will be missed.

I will forever love you!!!! My heart saddens at the thought I will never see you or talk to you again here on this earth. Rest in peace!
M.J.T
North Carolina

grew up with his songs got to visit with hem a few times he always new his fans he will be greatly mis.

I loved me some Billy Joe and saw him every chance I got. I hsve several of his CD's and will listen to him from now on. I am so sad that we lost you but know you have been added to the Heavenly Choir. May you rest in peace. Love you.

As a teenager,I dreamed of meeting him after seeing him in concert. My older brother,Ken and I listened to his songs and voice while we were in college in the 60's!Then he came to my hometown in the 90's and I actually had a conversation with him as our daughter listened and she said as I cried afterwards" mom,he never knew you but YOU knew him when and that's all that counts." So sad to lose one of the best;hope & pray his family remembers only the best memories and thank you for sharing him with all of us fans. God bless you!

Consider all Billy Joe's accomplishments as cherished blessings from God. Treasure the promise of future blessings found at John 6:40. Praying that Billy Joe Royal rest in peace.

Glad to have known you Billy Joe. Good memories you gave us to keep of you. You were kind & sweet to us! We will never forget you

Prayers going up for your family you were the best singer an I loved your music an seeing u in concerts. Thx for making good music an may u now sing beautiful songs in heaven.

I always loved him he was my favorite singer I saw him onced in myrtle beach I was so excited

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE BILLY. MY WIFE ENJOYED YOUR MUSIC. WE WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO BUY YOUR GOSPEL CD. YOU ARE NOW AN ANGEL WITH GOD LOOKING OVER YOUR FAMILY.

ROGER AND MARY RICE AUSTIN, TX.

Always loved Billy Joe's music. I got to see one of his concerts several year ago. What a great voice. That unique voice will be so wonderful in the heavenly choir with all the notes he could hit. Billy Joe will be dearly missed. RIP Billy Joe Royal.

My condolences to the Royal family. May you be given the strength to face the challenging days ahead and in time, may your pain be replaced with the fond memories of the wonderful times you shared with him. Philippians 4:13

To all the family and friends of Billy Joe, Our deepest sympathy to you all. His beautiful unique voice will be enjoyed for generations to come with the great hits he recorded. I am sure Marilyn, our deceased sister-in-law, is enjoying reuniting with her very special brother. Rest in Peace.

Rest In Peace Billy , You will be truly missed

I have always loved his music and I will miss him terribly.

RIP Billy Joe. Thank you for all the great memories.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

My dad played with Billy back in the 60's. I had the privilege of playing a show with Billy Joe and Ronnie Milsap in Sea Side,Fl. A few years ago and got to meet Billy and he enjoyed talking about when he and dad were young. RIP

I remember when Billy Joe royal played the rice festival in Crowley la and I got to meet him he was a nice guy an then he played the cattle festival in abbevlle la two years ago and he was always laugh how his music will live on fly high Billy

He will always be a lighted candle in my heart.

I had the pleasure of seeing Billy Joe perform many times. I got a chance to hang out with him before a show in Jackson last year. He was a great singer and a wonderful person. God Bless!

I will never forget you You was a great entertainer

I had the pleasure of seeing Billy Joe perform several times and have many photos of us, he had one of the purest sweetest voices ever, after I was diagnosed with Leukemia his music got me through many sick days of Chemo.My heart goes out to all his family , his job here is done and a new one awaits for him in Heaven, will always love him.

Still having a hard time believing he's gone. .. he's been a huge part of my life since I first heard Boondocks. Was privileged to meet him several times and he was always so kind and sweet. I have every album and know the words to every song. ... he and his music will forever live in my heart. Prayers for his family and the consolation of knowing we will see him and sing together again someday. Rest in peace, beautiful man.

always loved billy joe will miss him

Sorry to hear of BJ's passing- I played for him in 1980 with the Albany band; great fella and truly genuine person. We all called him " the damn Rural"...
I have a live recording from 1980 if you would like a copy. I can be reached @ [email protected] Again, my condolences.