Royce Eldon Bankhead

Royce Eldon Bankhead, 85 years of age, passed away December 31, 2023, in Franklin, TN.

 Royce was born June 20, 1938, in Lubbock, TX, to the late, Rufus Edwin and Vertice Lee (Rogers) Bankhead.

 Royce has degrees from Lubbock Christian (A.A.), Harding University (B.A. in English) , and American University (M.A. in Journalism). Royce was in the United States Navy, and from there he was in the United States Naval Reserve with the ending rank being a Commander. He still continued his career working for the Federal Government printing.

 Royce was a gentle and kind spirit to family, friends, and strangers. He met the love of his life in Washington DC, and they have been inseparable for 58 years of marriage. He was a man of many stories, often sharing memorires from childhood and his travels. He had a passion for fishing, camping, road trips, and Scrabble with his family.  He also enjoyed crosswords puzzles, reading, chorus, and hymnal music.

 In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Ruth A. Schaefer. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sharon Bankhead; sons, Richard (Tamar) Bankhead and Timothy (Kathleen) Bankhead; daughter, Ramona (James) Hinckley; brother, Douglas (Sandy) Bankhead; sister, Sherry V. (A.V.) Cates; and seven grandchildren; Abby, Noah, Gillian, George, Nayeli, Reuben and David.

 There will be an Inurnment Ceremony, for immediate family only, with Military Honors at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Lane, Nashville, TN, on February 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

 Online condolences may be left at www.dicksonfuneralhome.com