Shelby Paul Royal, age 89 of Gretna passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at his residence.

Born June 4, 1936 in Vienna, GA, he was a son of the late A. Q. Royal and Pauline Faver Royal. Mr. Royal attended high school in Montezuma, GA where he played basketball and softball. He also taught sixth grade in Priceton, GA. He graduated from Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. In his time living in Rocky Mount, NC, Mr. Royal was the youth director at First Baptist Church and served as a counselor in Summer Youth Camp. His ministry then took him to Danville VA, where he served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hollywood Baptist Church, Mt. Hermon Baptist Church and interim pastor of Ringgold Baptist Church. During his time in Danville he also taught religion and sociology at Averett University for four years. Mr. Royal then took his ministry to the Gretna area where he served as interim pastor of Spring Road Baptist Church and Beulah Baptist Church in Brookneal. He was a guidance counselor at Gretna High School and coached girls softball and basketball.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Watts Royal of the residence; sons, Kris Royal of McLeansville, NC and Bryan Royal and wife, Shawnie of Springfield, TN; and grandchildren, Daemon Royal, Kaleb Royal and Shyanne Royal.

Memorial graveside services will be conducted at a later date.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.