ROCHESTER -- Ronald W. Royce, age 70, of Elizabethton, Tenn., "flew" straight into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, Oct. 22, while flying with a student pilot, Adam West, who Ron was training for missionary service for Africa. Both pilots were killed in the accident.

Ron was born in Douglas on Jan. 21, 1939, and was preceded in death by his parents Walter M. Royce (1975) and Evelyn M. Schlief Royce (2001).

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Loretta (Robinson) Royce; his son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Patti Royce of Elizabethton; his daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Tom Irmeger of Elizabethton; and son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Michele Royce of Bridgewater, Va. Ron also is survived by six beloved grandchildren, Steven, Alssya and Tory Irmeger, Nathaniel and Josiah Royce, and Megan Royce. Other survivors include two sisters and brothers-in-law, Marilyn and Roger Ormand of Rochester and Rosalie and Jim Schlief of Brainerd, Minn.; several nieces and nephews; beloved father and mother-in-law, the Rev. George and Inez Robinson of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; sister-in-law, Shirley Robinson; and brothers-in-law, Jerry and David Robinson of Canada. Two special friends are Gene Fryer and Tom Shearin.

Ron received his Associate's of Engineering Technology from Rochester Junior College in 1959 and attended LeTourneau University before receiving his diploma (1963-64) and BS in Missionary Technology (1969) from Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. In 1964, Ron joined the faculty of MBI as a professor/flight instructor for Moody Aviation.

In 1967, Ron, his wife and son moved to Elizabethton with the first group of faculty and students to begin the Elizabethton Campus of Moody Aviation. During Ron's 41-year tenure at Moody, he served in many capacities, including flight instructor, chief pilot, principal ground school instructor, flight training supervisor and manager of flight training. His most treasured title was "Chief Jaybo," bestowed upon him by his students and fellow employees who loved him and characterized him as "one of a kind."

Ron taught hundreds of would-be missionary pilots and the eternal impact of his life and ministry reaches around the world. He was known for insisting on the highest of standards, for his love of life and learning, for his excellence in teaching that was always laced with humor, and for his total commitment to serve the Lord using his God-given gifts. Following his retirement from Moody Aviation he continued to train missionary pilots with Focus Aviation until the time of his death. He also provided professional pilot services to various companies.

Ron was a committed believer in Jesus Christ and was a member of Grace Fellowship Church in Johnson City, Tenn., for more than 20 years, but he also worshiped in several Elizabethton churches. His service in the church included youth ministry, teaching Sunday school, music director of adult and children's choirs, mission's chairman, and many behind the scenes ministries. Although Ron's passion for flying and teaching was extraordinary, his love for the Lord and his beloved family was of greatest importance to Ron.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 29) at Elizabethton Municipal Airport (former Moody Aviation Building), and also from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, Elizabethton, followed by a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 7 p.m., under the direction of Rev. Tom Oyler. A private graveside service will be conducted at Happy Valley Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be chosen from family members. Honorary pallbearers will be Neil Dubois, Jack Hamilton, Bruce Hendrich, Joe Hopkins, Cal Johnson, Kyle Leake, Dan Mills, Bill Powell, Al Rice, Larry Tierney, Larry Uitermarkt and former Moody staff.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Mission Safety International, 328 E. Elk Ave., Ste 1, Elizabethton, TN 37643; or to Voice of the Martyrs, P.O. Box 443, Bartlesville, OK 74005-0443.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guestbook; or by fax (423) 542-9499.

Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the family.

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