Curtis D Royster

Curtis D. Royster, a cherished member of his community and devoted family man, was born on December 20, 1947, in Norfolk to Emma Royster and Levy G. Clark. From an early age, Curtis embraced his faith in Christ and was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church Campostella.

After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, Curtis served his country with honor in the U.S. Army, earning a degree in Criminal Justice while proudly serving in the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. His bravery was recognized with the awarding of the Purple Heart during his service in the Vietnam War.

In 1971, Curtis married his beloved wife, Faye, and they began their life together in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Later returning to Madisonville, Curtis became an active member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, where he served as chairman of the board of trustees and was the lead audio technician. He was also known as the last surviving member of the gospel quartet, the Golden Tones.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers—Clarence, Milton, and Lee Royster; three sisters—Dale Tolliver, Malinda, and Joyce Royster; one son-in-law, Bryan White; two brothers-in-law, James Cottoner and Arliss Cottner; one sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Sherman; one niece, Candice Murphy; and four nephews—Michael Royster, Keith Cottoner, Carlton Cottoner, and Jeremy Spivey.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Faye Cottoner Royster; daughters Kerri (James), Scisney, and Talitha White of Madisonville; adoptive daughters (nieces) Joselyn Royster and Tiffany Tolliver of Norfolk, VA, and Kimberly (Farris) Wilson of Louisville, KY; sons James C. Wright of Evansville, IN, and Kevin L. Wright of Madisonville; brothers-in-law Rev. Robert L. Cottoner (Jonell) of Earlington, Roger (Bird) Cottoner of Madisonville, and Kelsey L. Hannibal of Atlanta, GA; sisters-in-law Sheryl (Freddie) Stafford of Madisonville, Delma Cottoner, and Mickey Cottoner of Louisville. He also leaves behind devoted grandchildren Brandon, Terence, Devin Wright, JaRon White, Jeremiah Boyd, McKenzie White, Jayla Gaither, Catie Wright, Baylee Wilson, and Sierra Wright, along with a loving host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Curtis treasured his close friendships with Nadine McNeal, Vola Mackey, Jerrell Clark, Dwight Carney, James Hardy, and the entire Oak Grove Baptist Church family.

His life was one of faith, service, and love, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.