| Stephen Sampson Royster II, 84, died on Monday March 12, 2012 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late H. Ralph Royster and Kathleen Mattison Royster. Mr. Royster was president of Royster Oil Company. A lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Shelby, he taught Sunday School for many years and he was a former deacon and usher, and a member of the Friendship Sunday School class. He served on the Shelby City Council for 32 years, several of which he was Mayor Pro Tem. He was a former Shelby Jaycee and a member of North Lake Country Club and Cleveland Country Club. He also served in the U.S. Merchant Marines. Stephen was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and beekeeping. He also enjoyed woodworking and made many beautiful pieces of furniture.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years Betty Sutton Royster; two sons, Stephen S. Royster III of Asheville, NC and Michael R. Royster and wife Ann of Shelby; daughter, Susan Sutton Royster of Charlotte; and four grandchildren, Laura, Erin, Sarah and Paul Royster.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at First Baptist Church. The Rev. Tony Tench will be officiating. The family will greet friends at a reception in the Ladies Parlor of the church immediately following the service.
The family would like to thank all the Hospice caregivers, especially his special nurse Valerie Wagner.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 120 N. Lafayette Street, Shelby, NC 28150 or The Crossnore School, P O Box 249, Crossnore, NC 28616 or Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Royster.
Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com
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