John Wiley

Royse

John Wiley Royse, affectionately known to many as "Papa," passed away on November 6, 2026, at Mission Hospital surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on February 9, 1954, in West Virginia, John was the beloved son of the late Oval Royse and Betty Blankenship Royse. He spent most of his life in Illinois before retiring from a dedicated career as a truck driver and settling in Franklin, North Carolina.

A proud veteran, John served his country in the U.S. Army during the final stages of the Vietnam War and the early years of the Cold War. During his service, he was stationed in Germany, where he served on guard duty at the Berlin Wall.

John had a deep love for music, enjoyed a good game of pool, and looked forward to playing cards with his family especially during holiday gatherings at his sister Nancy’s home. Above all else, he cherished his family and the time spent with those he held dear.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ramona Royse, who passed away in 2024; his brother, Bernie Royse; and his brother-in-law, Gene Brindle.

He is survived by his four children: Rebecca Royse, Christopher Royse (Tiny), Emily Walsh (James), and Caroline Royse; two sisters; Nancy Norman (Randall) and Martha Brindle; sisters-in-laws, Lenora Capron, Dawn and Carla Batson; and brother-in-law, Jay Batson. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Haley and Austin; two great-grandchildren, Atticus and Stevie; and many nieces and nephews: Shannon, Curt, Brittany, Briana, Michael, Bobby, Aidan, Bodi, Kendra, and C.J.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Macon Funeral Home, with Reverend Brandon Breedlove officiating and military honors. The family will receive friends during the visitation hour from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements through Macon Funeral Home.