Richard C. Royston, Jr.

Richard C. Royston Jr., 70, of Smithville, Texas, passed away on January 17, 2026.

Richard was born on July 17, 1955, in Smithville, Texas, to R.C. Royston and Dorothy Nell Lunday Royston. He was a proud graduate of Smithville High School and spent his life deeply rooted in the community he loved.

A hardworking and generous man, Richard built a life defined by dedication and perseverance. He worked for the MKT Railroad for ten years, owned and operated a service station, owned and operated heavy equipment with his company, Richard’s Excavating, serving both the oil fields and the Smithville area. He was also the proud owner of The Shak BBQ joint in Bastrop, TX.

Over the years, Richard owned several businesses and was known for his strong work ethic, big heart, and willingness to give freely to others.

Richard had a deep love for life outside of work. He enjoyed motorcycles, camping, fishing, beach trips, late-night BBQs with friends and family.

One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren, especially taking them off-roading around the property in his Gator—making memories filled with laughter, adventure, love, and a little bit of fear.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia “Ginger” Royston of Smithville, Texas; sister Nell Marie and husband Joel Anderson of Smithville, Texas; his children: Niki and husband Danny Pierce of Bastrop, Texas; Dylan and wife Harleigh Chandler of Smithville, Texas; Tonya Royston and partner Billy Clinton of Bastrop, Texas; Mandi and husband Brett Kennard of Paige, Texas; and Kara Royston of McKinney, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Tricia, Nathan and Trevyn Perry, Jack and Samuel Chandler, Whitlee Clinton, Kayleigh, Kendall, Kelsey and Kolbi Kennard, Charlie and his great-grandson, Cairo Bullard.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, R.C. Royston and Dorothy Nell Lunday Royston, and two grandchildren, Taylor and Lane Clinton

Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Marrs Jones Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be at 10:00am on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Marrs Jones Funeral Home with burial following at Oak Hill Cemetery.