Royce Renfroe, born on May 2, 1949, in Milledgeville, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 4, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. At an early age, Royce joined and attended Union Baptist Church East Baldwin. He was a proud graduate of J.F. Boddie High School, Class of 1968.

Royce dedicated over three decades of his life to serving the State of Georgia as a protector and security professional. His distinguished career began at the Youth Development Center in Milledgeville, GA, before he transitioned to the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Men's State Prison, where he spent the majority of his career. Known for his starched and creased uniform and high-gloss boots, Royce embodied the qualities of a fair, dependable, and loyal servant-leader.

Additionally, for ten years, Royce worked part-time as a security guard at Baldwin County Hospital, showcasing his unwavering dedication to public safety and service.

Upon his retirement from GDC Men's State Prison, Royce had achieved the rank of Lieutenant, a testament to his impeccable work ethic, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

Royce endured several losses over the years, including the loss of his youngest sibling, Barbara "Barb." Along with his mother, he stepped in to help raise Barb's children, Jarvis and Monica, ensuring they were provided for until adulthood. After retirement, Royce devoted himself to caring for his beloved mother, Estell. With help from his loving sister, Doris, he set aside his own life to ensure she remained at home and was treated with the utmost dignity and respect, honoring her until her last breath at the age of 100.

Royce had one child, his daughter Nikki to whom he imparted great wisdom about life and work. In the early years, his father to daughter lessons would come during conversations at a fishing pond, or in the woods with a hunting rifle, or perhaps while she handed him tools as he fixed his car. All of those moments left an impressionable mark on Nikki's life that served her well during her personal and work experiences.

Royce was known for his distinctive style, always the sharpest-dressed man in the room, with a quiet demeanor, kind smile, and cool disposition. He cherished staying connected with his high school classmates, regularly participating in class reunion activities. The J.F. Boddie Class of 1968 held a special place in his heart.

He also enjoyed working outdoors in his yard, possessing a green thumb that could revive even the most hopeless plants. Royce lived a quiet life and fought his illness with grace, not wanting to burden others.

He is survived by his daughter, Nikki Renfroe of Atlanta, Georgia; sister, Doris Renfroe of Milledgeville, Georgia; nephews, Jarvis Smith of Covington, Georgia, and Grayson Renfroe of Milledgeville, Georgia; nieces, Monica Smith of Jonesboro, Georgia, and Debra (Tanika) Simmons of Macon, Georgia; and a host of great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Royce was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Walter Renfroe; mother, Estell Renfroe; sister, Barbara Ann Smith; and brother, Walter Renfroe.

Royce Renfroe will forever be remembered for his dedication, love, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.