Royce Kent Pride, 93 passed away August 19 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Royce married Mary Lavonne (Dillon) Pride (deceased) in 1955 and had two children, Michael and Timothy (Nancy) and one granddaughter, Katherine Chipman.

Royce was born June 30, 1933 in Otwell, Indiana to Hilbert and Juanita Pride and the oldest of three sons, Jerry and Robert (deceased). Upon graduating from high school, Royce became a US Navy reservist and was called for active duty during the Korean War. He spent a total of 13 years in the Navy where he learned his skill as an Electronics Technician and worked in that field after his Navy service. Later he became an industrial electrician working in coal mining near Evansville, Indiana until retirement. He spent most of his life near Evansville, moving to Panama City Beach after retirement.

Royce was a practicing Christian and a member of First Baptist Church in Panama City. He enjoyed dancing with his wife, college basketball and was a lifelong runner, continuing to run until age 75 when a joint replacement ended his running, upon which he reverted to a several hours long walk each day.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 11 a.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service