Philip Patrick Royal

Captain Philip Patrick Royal, 47, of Inverness, Florida passed away unexpectedly July 18, 2016 while participating in the Key Training Center's "Run for the Money" in Tallahassee, Florida.
Phil was a devoted husband, father and sworn hero. Born in Clearwater, he was a lifelong Florida resident. Phil moved to Citrus County in 1988, where he served the community for nearly three decades as a public servant in roles including Firefighter, EMT, Paramedic and Law Enforcement Officer. He believed that maintaining and nurturing strong relationships with coworkers, the community and fellow agencies was not just a best practice, but the key to developing mutual understanding and respect between residents and first responders.
Phil was first assigned to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office SWAT and Underwater Recovery Team in 1990. He was later assigned to the Patrol Division in 1994 and served as a Crime Scene Technician. Phil progressed through the ranks working as a School Resource Officer, Training Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant before retiring as the Captain of Professional Standards and Training Division. Most recently, Phil served as a trusted advisor to law enforcement agencies throughout the state with TASER International.
He was a strong supporter of the Key Training Center and served on its Board of Directors, Phil was a 2016 candidate for Citrus County Sheriff. Current Sheriff Jeff Dawsy said of Phil, "Our community has not only lost a great servant, but a great friend to so many here in Citrus County." Phil enjoyed outdoor activities, athletic events, and spending time with his family and friends.
Left to mourn his loss and remember him with love is his wife, April Hull Royal and their daughter, Brelyn Dawn; his mother, Bonnie Royal of Clearwater; a brother, Michael Royal and his wife Susan and their children, Brett and Colette of Anna Maria Island, FL; his sister, Dana Dawn Royal O'Farrell and her husband Kenneth and their son, Nicholas of Orange Beach, AL; Father in law, John Hull and wife, Denise of Inverness; Mother in law, Jacquelyn Tarantino Dey and husband, Robert of Inverness; and their children, Tiffany Hull, her son, Austin Hooker, and fiancee, Michael Holm; Christy Lynn Beck and husband Scott and their daughter, Aubry Lynn; step sister, Randi Rezutka and her daughter, Rhielynn (AKA: P-Nut). He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Royal.
A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted Monday, July 25th at 11:00 AM from the Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church with Rev. Ray Cortese officiating. Burial will follow in Hills of Rest Cemetery, Floral City. There will be a viewing on Sunday, July 24th from 4-6 PM at Cornerstone Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Phil Royal Memorial Fund at any Brannen Bank. The Chas E Davis Funeral Home is assisting the family.