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Charles “Charlie” Royce Jr.

08/27/2023

Charles “Charlie” Royce Jr., age 60 of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Chuck” and Stella Royce Sr., sister, Marti (Jim) Edwards; brother, Matt (Terri) Royce. Charlie is survived by his partner in life, love and music, his wife, Angie; his children Hannah (Brad) Anderson and Taylor Royce; his sister Maria (Paul) Hesse; his cousin Frederick Eagle Royce III, parents-in-law, Carl & Ortrun Franklin, Bill & Evelyn Swartz, and many extended family and “adoptees” – all who loved him dearly. Charlie graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy and went on to attend Grand Rapids Community College and Aquinas College. He was a third-generation owner and operator of the family business, Royce Rolls Ringer Company. He was a professional saxophonist and arranger, performing in many local groups over the last 40 years. He was extremely proud of his work with Hip Pocket, Hark Up, Mood Swings, and Shimmie Pearl, to name a few. But mostly he loved the camaraderie and collaborative spirit that being in a group with like-minded individuals provided – this sentiment applied to ANY of his endeavors. He just loved people and loved connecting. In his spare time, he and Angie enjoyed making music, traveling, hiking, diving, and mentoring.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3pm on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Keystone Community Church, 655 Spaulding Ave SE, Ada, MI 49301, Pastor Brady Nemmers officiating. If you so desire, in lieu of flowers donations may be directed in Charlie’s memory to Interlochen Arts AcademyHabitat for Humanity (Kent County), or WCU Mountain Rescue Team Fund (Please select WCU Mountain Rescue Team).

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22 Responses

  1. Could not have hoped for a more perfect husband and life partner for my daughter and father to my grand children, Hannah and Taylor. Charlie was more than a son in law, he was a friend.

  2. Charlie was a go to guy if you needed help or guidance. He was as talented
    with a hammer/saw a he was with his sax.

  3. I could not have asked for a better son-in-law. He was one of my sons from the start. He loved his family Angie, Hannah (Brad), Taylor plus his immediate and extended. He had friends from all walks of life. His sax music was the best. He truly knew how to love life. He will be missed. I can just see him gathering his talented musical loving family and friends together to stage a concert for for us down here. Oh it started! Can you hear it? Charlie,just keep on playing. We are listening.

  4. Charlie was a go to guy, always willing to help. He was talented with business, music, carpentry, building a good marriage and a role model for how to life a happy, productive, loving, giving life. He was one of the best men I have ever know. Love you Charlie, respect you and miss you.

  5. I will always remember Charlie with a genuine smile and easy laugh. I recall how welcoming he always was and equally easy to talk to. I fondly recall riding in the big RV with the family when the children were very young and what a truly enjoyable experience it was, even though he was driving. In fact, every time I ever had the pleasure to be in the company of Charlie and Angie, they always (each) made it memorable and joyful. The house remodel, Matt’s wedding, musical performances, visits in FL or MI, even Royce Rolls delivery trips, every moment seemed to count with Charlie and Angie. Just wonderful humans I was blessed to have spent time with. I know you will be greatly missed down here, Charlie. My heart goes out to all the family! Sending all the love in the world.

  6. Charlie will always have an impact on our community and his loss certainly does. I’m grateful to know him as a neighbor, friend and client. His love and devotion to his family was always number one! Charlie’s contagious smile and laughter with his love of music and new adventure made him a magnet to be around. My heart goes out to Angie, Taylor, Hannah, Brad, Maria, Paul, Dan, Tom and the Swartz/Franklin families. Many people are thinking of all of you.

  7. Please know that you are all in our prayers. We are so blessed to have known Charlie for so many years through church and Hark Up. It will never be the same without his endless smile, talent and that sparkle in his eye even when the rehearsals were too long and the notes changed way too often. Thanks for sharing him with all of us!

  8. My heart and prayers go out for all of you. Charlie has been an AMAZING mentor for Kurt all these years. From Goodwillie, thru FHE, Mars youth group, graduation party together and Kurt’s wedding; our memories are full of love for Charlie and all of you. And beyond blessed to hear his awesome musical talents. I will be out of the country during the celebration but will be thinking of you all. Hugs to all ; especially to Taylor!!!!

  9. Charlie, you have always been an incredible team member and loved friend.. Your kindness & mentorship to others less talented (aka me) will be treasured.

  10. The patrons at Degage Ministries loved it whenever Charlie came in and shared his gift of music. Charlie loved unconditionally and treated everyone with dignity and respect. He impacted so many lives with his generous spirit, quick smile and amazing talent. May the Holy Spirit comfort his family. Heaven’s gain is our loss.

  11. Ever since the saxophone section at Aquinas College in the 1980’s I have enjoyed being around Charlie. I was always impressed that he meant every note he ever played, nothing wasted, his sound always real and articulate. He was always ready to offer an open ear during life discussions making you feel like he was your biggest fan on and off the stage. He could always find ways to encourage and support you that only a genuine and sincere friend could, not just in a passive way but through actions as well. Knowing that he made positive and lasting impressions on so many is not surprising. It’s Charlie.
    We lost a really good man in Charlie Royce

  12. I remember hiring Charlie to play a gig for a class reunion. Dinner cocktail music as per the usual. Upon arrival, we learned we were the main entertainment and the group obviously wanted a dance band – not a piano / sax duo. Many a dirty looks were cast our way as we tried our best to give them something to dance to. During the break, we were asked when the rest of the band was coming. Charlie grinned my way as I informed them we were it.

    I’ll never forget that Charlie grin – the one with a slight twinkle in his eye and a smirk that comes through especially while playing his sax. Our next set was filled with that look back and forth. We finished and was informed we need not do a third. We laughed out loud at the absurdity and uncomfortableness of it all.

    That was Charlie. Always up for anything. Always grinning through it. Always making the best of any situation. So many great gigs over the years. A few less so.

    It was my extreme pleasure, honor and joy to perform with both he and Angie over many years. He was a dear friend and mentor. I will miss him terribly, but I am so grateful for the stories and memories and the times we shared.

    Our hearts go out to Angie, Hannah, Taylor, and the entire Royce family. – Suzy and Kayle

  13. We are so sorry to hear about Charlie.
    Our love and prayers are with all of the family during this difficult time.
    May Gods love lift your hearts and bring you peace.
    John and Kathy Cain Rose

  14. Every family gathering with Charlie was ‘way too brief. Each conversation, each hug, each smile will stay with us throughout our lives. Hearing him comment on his adventures by saying “It’s all good” helps sustain us as we mourn. We are deeply grateful to have known him.
    Tom and Pat Anderson

  15. So very sorry to hear about Charlie’s passing. Heaven has certainly gained a very special person! My love and prayers to Angie and family, Linda Blauwkamp

  16. I had a lot of good times with Charlie. I enjoyed playing with Mood Swings with him. He always appeared happiest when he was blowing his horn. I loved his stories about his electric car that had reduced range because the air conditioning was on, the windshield wipers were on and there was no charging station where it was supposed to be. I will miss him terribly. My condolences to Angie, Hannah, Taylor, and the entire Royce Family.

  17. Dear Angie & Family: Thank you for the honor and memory of playing the piano at your wedding. Hannah, I must share a memory of you. Your parents & I were practicing before a service at the Walker Unity Church. You ran down the aisle and little nuggets were falling out of your diaper. Maybe your dad had put it on that morning. Regardless, I’ll never forget it nor all of the wonderful music I had the privilege of sharing with Charlie and Angie. Music may seem to fade note by note, but as a whole, I believe sharing music transcends time and place. Charlie touched many souls. The Light of God surrounds you. The Love of God enfolds. Wherever you are, Charlie, God Is.

  18. My deepest condolences to the dear Royce family and to our extended family. I will forever admire Charlie for his go-for-it attitude, wit, brilliant mind, saxophone prowess, deep love for his family, and mentor role to so many. Here’s to a life so fully lived and to Charlie’s sax ringing clear and true in our hearts and in the evermore.

  19. Jim and I had the privilege of being with Charlie and Angie in a Bible study for many years! They often hosted it because they had that big brown beautiful table in their home! We learned so many life lessons from each other in the Bible!
    We pray that God will give Angie and the entire family the comfort that only He can provide! We know we will see you again, Charlie!

  20. I only recall Charlie playing at Unity of GR. Also how happy he seemed to make Angie and the people around him. That is my last recollection of him. As I read these entries, I can see how he loved and was loved and it was all contagious. Blessings to you Charlie from here to the other side and I’m sure back. I love your in-laws and I support the tranquility you are and will be bringing as you touch in with the music Ortrun hears and the peace and love you extend, to the world. Forever.

  21. Standing next to Charlie while playing and rehearsing with Hip Pocket was a treat. He was always so welcoming, positive and supportive! I stand with so many musicians who’ve been positively impacted by Charlie! May he rest in love and peace!♥️

  22. It was always a pleasure performing or rehearsing with Charlie in Harkup groups, and his positive attitude was an inspiration to me. He had a way of making everything seem more fun even when we were working on difficult material in preparation for a performance. He will be missed by every person in the group.

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