Alfred McWayne Royal

Obituary

Alfred McWayne Royal

(March 4, 1928 – October 17, 2016)

HIS LIFE Deacon Alfred McWayne Royal was raised in and born on March 4 1928, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His was promoted into glory on the morning of Monday October 17th, 2016 at the age of 88. Alfred was the fourth born of seven children to Deacon James Galveston Royal (1894-1990) and Ollie Clementine Claybrook (1898-1978) both of Lynchburg, Virginia, and devoted husband of 52 years to Alice Eulia Royal (Brown). Alfred was very proud of his father’s dedication to the church, and appreciated the inner strength and gifts in within his mother. Alfred attended Baxter Elementary, Crescent Elementary, Bennett School, and Westinghouse High School - all in Pittsburgh. Alfred also attended Carnegie Tech School of Fine Arts. As a youth he worked as a paperboy delivering the Dixie Review, Liberty Magazine, and other magazines. He also delivered to A&P Grocery Stores. The job he often spoke of that trained him to be disciplined was when he worked for his uncle Flonory Claybrook, as a wall washer and painter, and for his Uncle Office (an electrician) . Other positions that he held with great pride was as a chauffer for Mrs. McCrell and her daughter Marion Black; for Jones & Locklaughn where he developed and matured as a General Laborer/Patcher; in Security for Security Allied, Pinkerton, Gregg; and in Downtown Pittsburgh and East Hills Post Office, as a expeditor payroll and fares. At the age of 18, Alfred was drafted into the United States Army. He served in Missouri at Fort Benjamin Harrison, in Lawrence Township, Indiana and at Fort Leonardwood, in St Louis Mussouri for the 35th Army Infantry Division Band, where he became the rank of Acting Corporeal. Alfred was an excellent saxophone and clarinet player, which he played in the armed services. He also played the piano out of musical necessity. Alfred loved music, along with two of his favorite first cousins Charles Lucian Claybrook (1921-2005) and Byron Wayne Claybrook Sr. (1927-1988). Lucian was one of the most popular singers in Pittsburgh above the famed Billy Eckstine. Byron became a music history buff. They along with a few others created a Young Mens Gentlemen group for the up and coming. Alfred described it as more about the music and the girls. Alfred lived most of his long blessed life at 1500 Center St. Prior to that he lived at the family home in the 7400 block of Race Street. Shortly after he lived with his Aunt Graham and Uncle Gene McNeal on Lang Ave. His parents migrated from Bedford County in Central Virginia to Pittsburgh starting in the early 1920’s. 

FAMILY HISTORY Deacon Alfred Royal was preceded in his promotion into God’s Glorious Kingdom by all of his siblings; Marion Virginia Royal (1922-2004), James Daris Royal (1924-19??) Lawrence Clemens Royal (1926-1928), Leonard MaDonald Royal (3/26/1930-2/18/2008), Morris Clemens Royal (1934-1936), Daniel Wilford Royal (1936-2010). He often spoke of the blessings God had offered him through long life, hoping to live as long as his father (1894- 1990) to the age of 96.Alfred also loved the family genealogy honoring over 200 Years of his extended family history, and being a part of the Royal, Claybrook, Davenport, Crawford, Brown & Thomson families. Specifically preceding Deacon Royal from his ancestry ALL OF VIRGINIA, includes; * Paternal Grandfather James B Royal (1859- ?) & Paternal Grandmother Cora E. Davenport (1859-?). * Maternal Grandfather Walter C Claybrook (1855-1929) of Glen Wilton, Va & Maternal Grandmother Rosa Bell Crawford (1864-1927) of Lynchburg, Va * Paternal Great Grandfather Clark Davenport (1810-?) & Sarah Davenport (1835-?) both of Virginia. * Maternal Great Grandfather Festus Claybrook (1821-?) & Clementine “Clemie” Claybrook (1830-?) both of Bedford County, Va * Maternal Great Grandfather Office Crawford (1828-1880+) & Mary Thomson (1831-1880+) of Lynchburg Va.

IN THE NAME OF JESUS Absolutely nothing was more important to Alfred than serving the Lord. He diligently attended Six Mount Zion, Bethany Church, and Baptist Temple, all in Pittsburgh, until his health began to make it difficult to attend. It was at Bethany Church, where Alfred first became a deacon following in the footsteps of his father, who had been a deacon for over 6 decades. Similarly, Alfred became a Deacon at Six Mount Zion Church. He was a man who truly loved sharing “The Good News from the Lord”. He would often say, “I won’t deny him.” He loved going out on visitations to the sick and the shut -in, always with a bible, suit and tie - always ready to serve communion. One of his regulars was his dear cousin Alma whose last birthday was celebrated to the age of 105. He was also a praying man for those in need. 

ALICE EULIA BROWN Second in his heart without question was his beloved wife - Alice Eulia Brown (1931 - 2010). He called her his Angel. An angel that pursued him vehemently against her parents wishes, but Alice was right. The couple was married in 1957 for 53 years, until her passing. Similar to her husband Alfred, Alice became a Deaconess. Alice managed the things of the house that they may serve the Lord together, love on all the nieces, nephews, neighborhood kids and members of the church. Alice was a graduate of Westinghouse High School. Graduated School of Beauty and became an instructor and supervisor in the field of cosmetology. Alfred was a hard working man that held several jobs to the honor, respect and delight of everyone around him. He loved providing for his family, including driving his parents to Conneticut for family visits. Mostly he loved providing for his wife, including purchasing her a home in 1960 at 1500 Center Street, followed by a pool, furs, then a safe car for her to drive. Alice took great pride in managing their immaculate two -story home on the corner in Pittsburgh near Wilkinsburg. Alfred took great pride in managing the exterior of their home, keeping hedges perfectly lined from those surrounding the porch to those gates, with his lawn edged in fashionable perfect symmetry. Their home was one of the few homes in their particular part of the Wilkinsburg community in Pittsburgh, with a pool. Given the amount of people she would welcome to their home, it could rightfully be called a community pool. Alfred loved being with his wife, whether making her comfortable in the jacuzzi, serving at the home refreshment bar, at the piano, enjoying meals together, traveling or sharing their backyard pool, with their expansive sea of family and friends. Both also prided themselves on providing for their parents until their passing. The only thing the couple lacked was their own children. Alice had multiple pregnancies, but her tender body could not hold them for the full duration of labor, each time resulting in miscarriages. Alfred had pictures of everyone who visited. When given the opportunity, Alfred would always invite visitors to swim n his pool from family members, church deacons to local children. He was especially proud of his nieces and nephews children. Each visitor was often photographed to be then shared with the next visitors. He also hung proudly pictures of his parents and his lovely wife, who he had a plethora of fond memories.