Billy Joe Royal
April 3, 1942 — October 6, 2015
Billy Joe Royal, 73, of Morehead City passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at his home.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Parkview Baptist Church with Rev. John Carswell officiating. Graveside services will be private.
Billy Joe was born on April 3, 1942 to Mary and Clarence Royal in Valdosta, GA. Shortly after, the family moved to Marietta, GA. where Royal grew up. Mr. Royal began singing at a young age, and as a young man had the opportunity to perform on the radio program “Georgia Jubilee,” where he met artist such as Joe South and Jerry Reed. It was South who wrote Mr. Royal’s 1965 breakout single, “Down in the Boondocks,” who went to the top of the charts. Later, Mr. Royal found success again in a South composed song, “I Knew You When”.
His career was revitalized in the mid-1980s after he signed with Atlantic Records and began releasing a multitude of songs. In late 1985, Mr. Royal would experience his first Top 10 Country single, “Burn like A Rocket,” but was removed from radio after the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenge tragedy. This would be followed by with several country hits including, “I’ll Pin A Note On Your Pillow;” Tell It Like It Is,” and Till I Can’t Take it Anymore,” In 1988, he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
His voice was still as good as ever, and he continued to travel the country to perform. Mr. Royal, had taken much time off to spend with his daughter Savannah, a student at North Carolina State University.
He is survived by his daughter, Savannah Royal of Morehead City; two sons, Trey Rivenbark and wife Falyn of Harkers Island, and Joey Rivenbark and girlfriend Sarah of Morehead City; mother, Mary Royal of Marietta GA; two grandsons, Beau and Preston; one nephew, Michael Williams; one niece, Amanda Williams; along with several other nieces and nephews who reside in Georgia; one brother Jack Royal; dear friends, Dave and Michelle Kent of Morehead City.
He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Marilyn and Tina and his father Clarence.
The family welcome flowers or memorial may be made to Parkview Baptist Church, 4738Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 or Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame, 222 5th Ave South Nashville, TN 37203.
The family will receive friends and fans 7:00-8:00 pm Friday, October 9, 2015 at Parkview Baptist Church.