Ben Christopher Royal

Ben Royal, 80, of Cleveland, Alabama passed away on November 11, 2026. He was born on August 26, 1946, in Blountsville, Alabama, to the late Eula Stephens and Earl Jackson Royal. 

Ben was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Carl Royal and James (Jim) Royal. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Donnell McHan Royal; children Chris Royal (Amy) and Jennie McNeilly (Tim); and grandchildren Sarah Ashley Royal Harbian (TJ), Mary Emily Royal, Madelyn “Maddy” Grace McNeilly and Tyler Jacob “TJ” McNeilly.

Ben attended Blountsville Elementary until his family moved to Oneonta. He then attended Oneonta High School, graduating in 1965. After high school, he worked several jobs, the most memorable being with Mr. Orville Horsley’s TV Service on Main Street in Oneonta. In the late 1960s, Ben began working for ADT Security Systems, where he remained for over forty years before retiring in August 2008.

Ben married Donnell McHan of Cleveland, Alabama, in January 1968. Together they built a life centered on faith and family and welcomed a son, Chris and a daughter, Jennie. The home where they raised their family remains the family home 60 years later.

For 50 years, Ben faithfully served as an elder at Green’s Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church. During his years of service and worship there, he taught the adult Sunday School class, represented Green’s Chapel in their associational presbytery meetings, and, in more recent years, took on meaningful work of compiling the church’s history and records.

Ben enjoyed being a shade-tree mechanic, working in his yard, and “tinkering” in his garage during retirement. Nothing, however, brought him greater joy than visiting and spending time with his four grandkids. Whether watching them play ball or dance in recitals or traveling together for vacations to the mountains and beaches, “Pawpaw” treasured every opportunity to be with his family.

As a family of believers, we know that this separation is only temporary. Upon learning of his death, Sardis Baptist Church in Sardis City, Alabama, shared with the congregation, “Ben Royal gained his heavenly promotion this morning.” Ben accepted Jesus as his Savior during his late teenage years, and the change in his life was evident and lasting. He remained steadfast in that decision and commitment. His faith could be seen in the way he served his church, cared for his family, and approached his work.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Cleveland Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the service following at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Green’s Chapel Cemetery following the service.

Cleveland Funeral Home is honored to serve the Royal Family.