Thomas Joseph Royer

Thomas Joseph Royer, age 79, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at the Benton House in Woodstock, Georgia. 

Born on May 7, 1946, in Waterloo, Iowa, Tom was the youngest son of Wayne and Josephine Royer. He graduated from Columbus High School in Waterloo and remained a lifelong, devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes—he bled Black and Gold. 

Tom proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War at the Strategic Air Command Headquarters near Omaha, Nebraska. It was during his tenure as a technology specialist that he developed a passion for computers. This passion led to a successful career across several companies and states, ultimately settling in Georgia—a place he grew to love and never wanted to leave. 

A diligent and dependable man, Tom was known for his deep love for his family. He was a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Kathryn (Kay) Royer, for 57 years. He was a loving and dutiful father who took care in providing for each of his children in his own unique way. His quiet strength, unwavering support, and playful spirit will leave a lasting legacy. To his grandchildren, he was affectionately known as “Papa Tom” or simply “PT”—a name he wore with pride. He cherished time spent with them, always bringing joy and laughter to their lives. Tom also had a special place in his heart for dogs, especially his grand-dog Maggie—the dog who never barked. His generosity, wisdom, and dry sense of humor will be fondly remembered and live on through his grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn M. Royer; his four children: Jeffery Royer (Adina), Jolynn Fenton (James), Jennifer Conway (William), and Jeremy Royer (Kristy); and his ten grandchildren: Thomas, James, Grant (Kayla), Johanna, Philip, Harris, Lucy, Jack, Aaron and Kate. He is also survived by his siblings Carolyn Bauer (Merlin) and Joseph Royer (Beverly). 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Josephine Royer; his sister, Jane Mayer; and his beloved daughter-in-law, Lisa Cull Royer. 

A visitation, prayer and remembrance service will take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at West Cobb Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Woodstock, Georgia. All are welcome to attend and celebrate his life. He will be interred with military honors at the Georgia National Cemetery following the funeral Mass. 

Online condolences may be shared at https://www.westcobbfuneralhome.com/obituaries/thomas-royer

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at http://events.stjude.org/TJRMemorial