Robert Larry Royce

ROYCE, Robert Larry – of Flint, MI, age 67, passed away Friday, February 6, 2026. A Funeral Service will be held 1 PM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Allen Funeral Home, 9136 Davison Road, Davison, MI 48423; Pastor Sarah LaRose-Nettell officiating. Interment immediately following the service in Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive visitors 4-7 PM on Monday, February 16, 2026, and again on Tuesday, two hours prior to the service, beginning at 11 AM at Allen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Make A Wish of Michigan or Humane Society of Genesee County in Bob's memory.

In honor of Bob's lifelong love for the game, the family invites you to trade your black attire for your favorite baseball jersey or team colors. Whether it's Tigers or a rival, Bob would have loved nothing more than to see the stands filled with fans celebrating a life well played.

Bob was born in Flint, Michigan on November 8, 1958, the beloved son of the late Robert L. and Shirley Ann (McClellan) Royce. On April 26, 1980, in Davison, Michigan, he married the love of his life, Karen Fridline, beginning a partnership filled with devotion, laughter, and countless adventures. Bob dedicated many years of hard work to his career, first at Buick for ten years and later at DuPont, where he remained until his retirement in 2021. He had an adventurous spirit and a deep love for travel and would go just about anywhere and everywhere. Having visited all 50 states, Bob was always ready for a spontaneous road trip, living by the motto, "I've been everywhere, man!" His love of baseball was just as strong. He proudly visited all 30 Major League team's ballparks and spent many years coaching the game he loved, from Little League through high school. He will be especially remembered for his unwavering passion for the rules of the game and for the lessons in integrity, discipline, and sportsmanship he instilled in his players and the umpires. He also enjoyed the comradery with fellow coaches. Bob also found joy in researching genealogy and sharing trivia. He enjoyed playing card games and treasured the fun times spent taking his family to the casino. Above all, Bob will be remembered for his love of family, his adventurous heart, and the enthusiasm he brought to every passion he pursued. His legacy lives on in the memories he created and the lives he touched.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Karen Royce; children: Robert (Valerie) Royce and Steven (Melanie) Royce; grandchildren: Adison, Christopher and Hailey; sister, Sharon Royce; nieces: Michelle (Matt) and Ronda (Nate); nephews: Justin and Michael; his beloved puppers, Minnie and Mikolaf; many other loving family members and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. and Shirley Ann Royce; two siblings, Karen Meiser and David Royce.