John Edward David “Sonny” Royal, 78, of the China Hill Community (Milan), died Saturday, April 15, following a brief illness.  Funeral services will be held at 4:00P.M., Tuesday, April 18, at Bethel United Methodist Church, Rhine, with burial in the church cemetery.  Visitation is Monday, 6:00-8:00P.M.

A native of Abbeville, Mr. Royal was the son of the late Ned and Carrie Bell Cravey Royal.  A veteran of the US Army, 3rd Division, he was married to the late Margaret Maloy Royal for 43 years and was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church.  Mr. Royal was Salutatorian of his high school graduating class and was employed for many years with Meyercord.

Survivors include his children, Sandra (Gary) Knight of the China Hill Community, Tammy (Craig) Selph of McRae, David (Amy) Royal and Graham (Michelle) Royal of the China Hill Community; special friend, Anne Eubanks of Byron; sister and brother, Lajoy Boney of Rhine, and Wimbric Guy Boney of Griffin; grandchildren, Rhett (Melanie) Knight, Mary Margaret Knight, Craig Selph, II, Sunny Selph, Colby Royal, Anna Grace Royal, Brittany Royal and Margaret Ann Royal; great-grandson, Kaden Knight; and special nephews, Grady Boney and Kyle Barron.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Tommie B. Jones, 103 Boney Ferry Rd., Rhine, GA 31077 or to Community Hospice, 904 Mt. Vernon Rd., Vidalia, GA 30474.

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