Dixie Elliott Royal, Jr. of Lakeview Terrace in Altoona, Florida was born in Sorrento, Florida to Ettie L. and Dixie Royal Sr. He was a 4th generation Floridian. His father’s family settled in the Cassia area in the 1840s where they raised citrus, watermelons and cattle.
Along with his brother David, Dixie attended school in Sorrento and Mt. Dora before moving to Umatilla in 1942. Sorrento was a small school with only Dixie and one other first grader that year, so they were moved up to the second grade, making him the youngest member of his class throughout school. Dixie graduated from Umatilla High School in 1949, where he was active in sports, student government and a founding member of the Key Club. Dixie then enrolled at the University of Florida where he excelled academically and was a member of the U.F. livestock judging team, making lifelong friends as they traveled across the U.S. competing nationally. He majored in Animal Science and graduated in 1953. Dixie continued his affiliation with his alma mater by working closely with U.F. citrus researchers and county agents throughout his career.
After serving an active-duty commission in the United States Air Force, Dixie returned to Umatilla to raise citrus and watermelons with his father. In 1956, he married Alice Brooks. They recently celebrated their 67th anniversary in June. He was a production manager for Golden Gem Growers for 30 years while also continuing to serve the Air Force Reserves for 26 years. Dixie retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. He often said that one of his most satisfying assignments was helping prospective recruits as the Liaison Officer for the Air Force Academy.
He was an active member and past president of Lake County Farm Bureau, as well as serving on advisory boards for Florida and American Farm Bureau. He was a member of the Citrus Production Managers Association and the Hillbillies. Like his father, Dixie was a longstanding member of the Umatilla Masonic Lodge and a Shriner. A member of the First Baptist Church of Umatilla since the mid-1940s, Dixie taught Sunday School classes, including classes at the Elks Children’s Hospital. He served as a trustee, greeter, and a member of the Florida Baptist Mission Board.
Dixie took great pride in raising high quality fresh fruit and beef cattle. He and Alice managed their own groves and family partnership groves. Dixie enjoyed nature photography, woodworking, BBQing, and spending time with his family. Dixie is survived by his wife Alice; daughter Debbie Bradford (Kelley), sons Richard (Kim), David (Tanya); grandchildren Rebecca Christy (Rob), Elliott Royal (Morgan), Kalan Royal, Ethan Royal, Elizabeth Aldridge (Austin), Emmie Royal, Kramer Royal; three great grandchildren Ella Aldridge, Brighton Christy, Michael Ann Aldridge; nephews Stan Royal (Amy), Dwight Royal (Jennifer) and one first cousin Clifford Royal (Nancy).
The family is grateful for the care provided by Cornerstone Hospice and the medical staff at Lakeview Terrace.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church of Umatilla on Thursday, August 3rd at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cornerstone Hospice, First Baptist Church Umatilla, or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
