Royal H. Calley, age 84, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2012 at St. Mary's of Michigan in Saginaw, following a lingering illness. He was born December 25, 1927 in Hazen, Arkansas, the son of the late Silas and Annie Mae (Grady) Calley. Royal was united in marriage with the former Helen Lundberg in 1945. He served with the U.S. Army in the Pacific Area from 1945 to 1947. Following his studies in a Baptist Mission School, Royal and Helen went to Brazil in 1951 as Baptist missionaries with his brother, Paul. Helen preceded him in death in Brazil in 1957. Royal was then united in marriage with the former Betty Ann Reed on October 4, 1958 in Dearborn Township, Michigan. Royal enjoyed singing in the church choir, teaching Sunday school to adults and cooking.
Royal is survived by his wife, Betty A. Calley of Caro; five children and their spouses, Royal & Marilyn Calley, Jr. of Brooklyn, Michigan, Diane Manzo of Fenton, Mary Calley of Caro, Doyle & Kathleen Calley of Lyons, Sally and Jack Thomas of Charlotte Hall, Maryland; fifteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; three sisters, Mary Louise Martin of Holly, Saxon High of Holly, Judy Carlton of Taylor and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his first wife, Helen, Royal was preceded in death by one son, James Andrew Calley; two brothers, Doyle and Paul Calley; and two sisters, Cassis Ensey and Frieda Gibbs.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at the Caro First Baptist Church with Rev. Ronald C. Wigand officiating. Burial will follow at Indianfields Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Caro First Baptist Church. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro. Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com.