In Loving Memory…
Our beloved Royce Youree, “Coach”, passed away peacefully under hospice care on September 27, 2024, shortly after family and friends gathered to celebrate his 88th birthday. He was born September 20, 1936 in Walters, OK to Beatred “BT” and Gladys Youree. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Beyer, and spent 57 happy years together (until her passing in 8/21) and have one daughter, Kimberly Andrade.
As a child his family moved to Santa Maria, California and later settled in Coalinga, CA. He graduated from Coalinga High School and attended West Hills College Coalinga in 1954. It was there, as a freshman, he was recruited to play basketball and baseball at Arizona State University from 1955-58. He earned a B.A. in education from ASU in 1960 and his M.A. in 1963.
While attending ASU he met his beautiful wife, Bonnie, who worked as a secretary in the ASU Athletic Department. It was love at first sight, a match made in Heaven and they later married July, 31 1964. Their song was “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me” by Ray Price. He often stated Bonnie was “the wind beneath my wings”.
While at ASU, he was a three-year starter and school's career scoring leader (1,036 points) and was the first player in school history to surpass 1,000 points. Royce made 362 career free throws, which stood as the school's all-time record for 45 years. It is the longest-standing record in ASU men's basketball history. He led the Sun Devils in free throw percentage all three seasons scoring 13.9 points per game in 1955-56. As a senior, he helped ASU win its first Border Conference championship and receive its first bid to the NCAA Tournament. Royce made two free throws with three seconds left in the final game, securing the conference title.
After graduating, he went on to play three years of minor league baseball with the Giants, then went into basketball coaching in 1962 as an assistant at Phoenix's Maryvale High School. He became the head coach of Phoenix East High School in 1964, where he compiled a 5A record of 301-56 and won five state championships over 13 years. Coached the United States' 20-and-under team at the Junior Men's World Championships in Brazil in 1979. That team went a perfect 8-0 and won the World Championship, defeating Brazil 75-55. In 1982, he became the co-coach at Mesa Community College, where he went 126-37 in five years there, including taking his team to a No. 3 national ranking in 1987. From 1988-1995, he coached in the Basketball Congress International (BCI), guiding teams of Arizona's top high school basketball players in competition against top challengers from across the country. Then, spent two years as an assistant coach at the University of San Diego and seven years as a regional scout for the NBA's Atlanta Hawks.
Throughout his remarkable career, he received many prestigious inductions and achievements:
• Arizona Coaches Hall of Fame, 1984
• ASU Sports Hall of Fame, 1995
• West Hill Coalinga Community College Hall of Fame, 1998
• Pac-12 Hall of Honor, 2009
• National High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame, 2012
• Phoenix Union High School District Hall of Fame, 2015
• Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, 2016
• California Community College Athletic Association, 2019
• The Arizona Republic named Youree its "Coach of the Century" and ranked five of his teams among the top 15 boys' "Teams of the Century."
Royce was not only passionate about sports and coaching; he loved his family and friends. He was a devoted family man and friend. He was a man of faith with a contagious sense of humor, who loved fiercely and demonstrated loyalty. He embraced those he loved deeply with an open heart, making everyone feel like they were a part of the Youree family. Royce had a remarkable gift for uplifting others, always seeking and celebrating their strengths. He was tough and highly competitive, yet fair. He commanded respect both on and off the court, embodying the essence of an intelligent and ethical leader. His charismatic personality drew people in and he dedicated himself to mentoring others, generously sharing his time and resources. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, golfing, playing/watching sports and attending basketball games, card games, watching game shows and time at the beach. Royce’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him, a reminder of the power of love, community, and encouragement. He left this earth convinced he would meet Jesus and he looked forward to an ever-lasting reunion with departed loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his parents Beatred Timmie "BT" and Gladys Youree, his loving wife, Bonnie Youree who passed 8/16/2021, his twin sister, Joyce Kozlowski and Brother, Clayton Youree. Royce is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Andrade (Anthony), Grandchildren: Derek Pandalis, Nicole (Nathan) Peterson, Kalene (Richard) Harkey, Great Grandchildren: Orion, Dakota Peterson, and one on the way. He also has several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He will be profoundly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Royce at a later date, details will be coming soon.
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