Tom Royce Doyal

Here, here! Until we meet again...

Tom was a friend for over 50 years. He and my husband were in the Army together in 1968. They were stationed in Germany and I was lucky enough to be there too. He enjoyed many fun times together. After the Army we spent many vacations together in Texas and California. Last visit in Austin was October 2024.
Like others we enjoyed his short stories and we listen to them over and over. I find them both funny and moving and I'm glad I have them to keep listening.
I am so happy he was in...

Tom was one of the most brilliant and entrepreneurial people I was ever privileged to call a friend. A voracious reader. What Iremember so vividly was how very hilarious he was--his stories about his life were incredible and he could put such an hilarious spin on so many things that happen in life. He was a grand person whose friendship was important to me. And his work for the causes we should all embrace was spectacular. Liberty books , seeing that the sodomy law was streak down--Tom...

Tom was such an important part of Austin's LGBTQ community. Tom started Liberty Books, the lesbian and gay community bookstore, in 1986. That was such an advance for Austin. He also started a publishing company called Liberty Press. And he was the attorney for the Gay Rights Lobby and an attorney in private practice. The summer of 88, Tom and I were going to collaborate on a novel. When he wasn't getting anything done on the project, I called to ask what was up. In the process of explaining...

Tom Doyal remains a close friend,treasured storyteller,authentic human being with too many stories still unshared.His epic novel about persecution of gays in Texas as yet unpublished.His short stories on cassette.He set up WRITING ON THE AIR on KOOP radio,performing on the first and last programs(21 years apart).Tom's qualities of character endeared him to many/his depths profound/his lives a reflection of his time and Texas his/stories.His truths remains with us.

Tom was a great great person---so very vert smart, as great a writer as he was a storyteller. The Yexxas Assoc of School Bds has Tom to thank for all it's insurance programs that are used across Texas--he started them all. And was said by one person already, Tom was one of the funniest persons i was ever around in my life!!!!!! When he felt the time was right, he could stand up at a dinner table and join a beautiful bass voice sing a Baptist hymn like no one else, and, of course his...

Tom started a law firm in 1983 that is still operating, serving Texas public schools. I was honored to be his law partner. A wise man. Spiritually deep. One of the funniest men I've ever known. Great story teller and writer. Courageous. Jim Walsh

Tom, you will be missed, I loved how funny and smart you were, with the biggest heart! You are with your brother Mike now and I'm sure you will both have plenty of catching up to do! Much love to you!

Sorry about his leaving us. The obituary fails to mention the most important aspects of Tom's life. He sued the State of Texas to remove the sodomy laws, was head of the Gay Rights lobby, opened Austin's first gay bookstore and was active in many gay causes. He and I lived together for four years and remained close. We helped each other through serious illnesses and remained in close contact. His life work shouldn't be erased, but that is not a new story.