John William "Bill" Royal Sr., 83

WOODLAND - John William "Bill" Royal Sr. of Woodland died Wednesday, June 20, 2007, in his residence. He was 83.

Mr. Royal was born in Eddington, Maine, son of the late Viola Kelley and Thayer L, Royal.

He was an administrator in the Seaford School District, retiring in 1983 after 30 years of service.

Mr. Royal was a World War II Army veteran, serving as a colonel in the European Theater. He retired from the Army National Guard with the rank of brigadier general.

Mr. Royal had a degree in business administration and a master"s degree in English.

He was a member of St. John"s United Methodist Church in Seaford and he attended Woodland United Methodist Church.

Mr. Royal was an original owner of Seaford Flowers; a member of Virgil Wilson Post 4961, Veterans of Foreign Wars; a member and past commodore of the Nanticoke River Yacht Club; president emeritus of the Woodland Ferry Association; past president and current corresponding secretary of the Sussex County Animal Association; and he was an avid reader, having read every book written by James Herriot, DVM.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude Prettyman Royal, in 2002.

He is survived by a son, John W. "Jack" Royal Jr. and his wife, Barbara of Rehoboth Beach; two daughters, Roxanne Royal of Laurel and Amy Royal of Seaford; a granddaughter, Erin Royal; and his beloved pets, Ivy, Holly, Petee, Dusty, Hannah, Faith, Maggie and Puff.

Services will be 1 p.m. Sunday in Woodland United Methodist Church, Woodland.

The Rev. Richard Bridge will officiate.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to Sussex County Animal Association, (SCAA) 5174 Woodland Ferry Road, Seaford, DE 19973.

Arrangements by Watson-Yates Funeral Home, Seaford, DE.