Royce Gailey

Royce Gailey, age 80, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, at the Sioux Falls VA Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with his beloved wife Kathleen of 50 years by his side.

Born on October 8, 1945, in Ogden, Utah, Royce was the sixth child and only son of Newel and Alice (Ohlson) Gailey. He grew up in Syracuse, Utah and graduated from Clearfield High School as part of the Class of 1963. Just weeks after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Royce answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy on December 18, 1963. He served honorably on the USS Zelima during the Vietnam War Years and was discharged on September 15, 1967.

Following his military service, Royce embarked on a long and dedicated career in the trucking industry. It was through Lee Way Motor Freight in Hayward, CA, that he met his future wife, Kathleen, who also worked for the same carrier in Fresno, CA. Over four decades, he worked for six different companies and ultimately retired at the end of 2007 after spending 24 years with Yellow Transportation. His work ethic and reliability were hallmarks of his professional life.

On March 22, 1975, Royce married Kathleen Soderquist in Carson City, NV, at a Justice of the Peace. They spent a snowy Honeymoon skiing and exploring Lake Tahoe. Royce also had an 8 year old son, Keith Gailey, living in Monroeville, PA. Royce and Kathy were blessed with raising two children: Karah and Justin. Royce welcomed daughter-in-law Melissa (Leist) Gailey in 1995 marriage to Capt. Keith Gailey. That union later brought cherished grandsons Nicholas and Joshua Gailey.

Royce was a man deeply committed to his loved ones. He found joy in coaching the kids' soccer and camping and hiking vacations with family and friends. His passion for martial arts led him to take Taekwondo with Karah and Justin and Kathy. Later he became actively involved with Grand Master Larry 

Hoover's ATA Martial Arts Academy in Sioux Falls. For over 14 years he helped instruct classes and mentor students at Hoover's ATA Black Belt Academy. In recognition of his dedication and leadership, he earned the rank of Third Degree Black Belt Instructor—a testament to his perseverance and commitment.

A man of deep faith, Royce began nearly every day before dawn with two hours of Bible reading and study. His belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior was central to his life which gave him wisdom beyond measure. Royce volunteered at North Central Heart Hospital through Mended Hearts, and Lifescape and Sioux Falls VA Health Care System in Patient Escort.

Royce is survived by his devoted wife Kathleen; daughter Karah Gailey of Sioux Falls; son Justin Gailey of Spring Valley, WI; daughter-in-law Melissa (Leist) Gailey and grandsons Nicholas and Joshua Gailey of Wexford, PA; sisters Marvetta (Glen) Saunders of Clinton, Utah; and Kathleen (Jim) Painter of Riverton, Utah; sister-in-law Karen (Soderquist) Peterson of New Richmond, WI; sister-in-law De Elander of Maplewood, MN; brother-in-law Stanley (Kathleen Johnson) Soderquist of New Richmond, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Lt. Col. Keith L. Gailey; parents Newel and Alice Gailey; sisters Juanita Gailey; Renae (Blaine) Bodily; and Nolene (Daryl) Hodson; brother-in-laws Peter Peterson; Maynard Soderquist and Wayne Soderquist.

Even after undergoing triple heart bypass surgery in June 2025 followed by three months of rehab, Royce remained determined to mow the ditch himself as a feat of regained strength. Though eventually, even this man of steel had to slow down and humbly let others offer help.

A memorial service was held at the Sioux Falls VA Hospice Cottage following his passing. Inurnment at South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Royce's legacy lives on through the lives he touched-with steadfast love for family, unwavering faith in God, quiet determination, and humble strength that inspired all who knew him.

Tribute from Karah:

Dad always said, “keep your word.” Integrity and humility mattered most. He lived it out. Dad was generous in his giving, he never wanted credit, so his goal was not to be known. The only one to get the glory is to be Jesus. He sought after God’s Kingdom first. Every morning, he would get up to pray and read the word. In the afternoons, you could find him listening to worship music. His favorite song, “I surrender’ became his posture. Before surgery, dad, mom and I prayed together. He may have lived a quiet life serving others, but when he spoke, he spoke words of wisdom. That prayer, all he said was “I surrender.” He gave up his life for something greater. Something no mind has imagined. Someone who meets all our needs. To God be the glory. The mighty one who saves all that choose to believe in him. Dad is now truly alive.