Mr. Benjamin Royce Brooks Woolard, age 32, a native of Beaufort County, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2018. Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of his life from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at the Trinity Episcopal Church Parrish Hall, 182 N.C. Highway 33, Chocowinity.

Royce was born on Feb. 7, 1986, to Shannon Woolard and Michele “Missy” Brooks Johnson. He attended Bath Elementary and Washington High School. In his youth, Royce was an accomplished athlete and participated in many sports, though football was his true love. He enjoyed all types of outdoor activities, but spent much time fishing and was an avid hunter. Family and friends were always a very important part of Royce’s life. The love he shared throughout his life, with his grandparents, his brother and sister, his extended family, his close friends, his teammates and even colleagues, brought him much happiness and brought joy to those who were fortunate enough to be graced with his love and loyalty. Of all the love in Royce’s heart, there was no greater love than that for his two daughters, and we are grateful his wonderful nature and beautiful caring soul will live on in Hazel and Stevie.

Royce will forever be remembered as a loving, kind friend, a beloved son and grandson, a cherished brother and a devoted father. Royce had a brilliant, easy smile that could change the mood of a room in a moment. His smile will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. In addition to his parents, Royce is survived by his daughters, Hazel Brooks, Stevie Rose; their mother, Jenny Lee, of Salisbury; his sister, Shana Woolard Swanner, and his grandparents, Richard and Brenda Woolard, all of Washington; as well as much extended family. Royce was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Claudie and Rosalee Brooks and his friend and brother, Zack Woolard.