Mr. Walter “Raymond” Royal, Jr, 81 of Thomaston died Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Royal was born February 15, 1945, in Millen, GA, to the late Walter Raymond Royal and the late Eunice Bassett Royal. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Martha Goins Royal, and nephew, Chance Royal, sister in law Mary Grace Goins and brothers in law, David Lamar Goins, and Roy Edward Goins.

Survivors include his daughter, Monica Ann Bridges (Benji) of Thomaston, sisters, Judy Garvin of Millen, GA, June Carpenter and her husband Wayne of Thomaston and Brenda Thompson and her husband Larry of Sylvania, GA, brothers, Ronald “Gramps” Royal and his wife Debbie of Thomaston and Donald Royal and his wife Pam of Barnesville, sister-in-laws, Helen Hagans and her husband Billy of Fayetteville, NC, Linda Bailey and her husband Wayne of Thomaston, Margie Watson and her husband Gordon of Molena and Lorie Goins of Molena, brother-in-law, Eugene Goins and his wife Janice of Thomaston, special, faithful friend, Kim Horne of Lizella, GA, numerous nieces and nephews..

At the start of his work experience, Raymond was led by his father delivering papers as a team with his brother, and selling them during shift changes at the mill. His (non-paying job) was the chores at home, such as lawn mowing and getting the privet hedge trimmed just right!

Summer afternoon fun was little league baseball years 1956-57 and Babe Ruth in 1959. Time of Course passed, and Raymond was a proud graduate of R.E. Lee Class of 1963.

Running the projections at the Silvertown and Harlem Theaters taught him many technical skills he would need in future jobs. The need for gun repair and service here led him to establish Raymond’s Gun Repair.

Raymond retired after 44 years of service from the William Carter Distribution Center in Barnesville as a shift supervisor. Afterwards, he returned to the workforce for a number of years for the Dept. Of Transportation.

Raymond worked as a guide and dog handler at Red Oak Plantation in Gay, GA. Hunting, whether it be birds, rabbits, deer, or turkey, was a great part of his appreciation for the outdoors and God’s creation.

His priority, however, was for the love and devotion he had for his family and friends. Raymond attended Clark’s Chapel Baptist Church until his health declined.

A Special thanks to Raymonds caregivers through the years, Tennie Hobbs and Greg Foster.

Memorial services will be on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. from  Clark’s Chapel Baptist Church. The family will receive friends following the service

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clark’s Chapel Baptist Church, 176 Mathis Lake Road, Thomaston, GA 30286, or The Gideons International, P.O. Box 1034, Thomaston, GA 30286

Coggins Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.