The funeral services for the late Mr. Johnnie Best "J.B." Royster of 166 Melton Road, Sylvester, Georgia, who departed this life on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida, will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. from the Shepard Memorial Garden Cemetery in Sylvester, Georgia. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the "Shipps Funeral Home" Facebook page.

MR. (J.B.) JOHNNIE BEST ROYSTER.....

was born in Sumner, GA on March 26, 1932. He worked on a farm as a child and young adult doing what he loved: raising livestock and planting crops. He attended Oak Hill High School with dreams of someday owning a farm for himself and his future wife; however, things changed in 1952, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army at the height of the Korean War. For his heroic and outstanding service to his country, Staff Sergeant Johnnie Royster received many medals and honors. Upon returning home, Johnnie “J.B.” continued to do what he loved most: farming, raising livestock, and planting crops. He even found time marry and have a family—nine heads of children.

Even though he dedicated his life to Christ at an early age, J.B. still was haunted by the tragedies and trauma of the war. He had fought hard in Korea, risking life and limb for his country. Now he had to deal with the physical and mental stress that the war had permanently placed on his body, mind and spirit. Throughout his trials and tribulations, he never stopped praying and believing that he would return home after each illness to admire his yard and plant a garden once again. Sadly, but with much joy, J.B. departed this earthly life on Saturday, June 19, 2021.

Johnnie Royster was predeceased by: Roosevelt and Leona Royster (parents), Ed and Frances Best (grandparents), Eddie B. Royster and Douglas M. Royster, Sr. (brothers), Frances James (sister), Yatasha and Yontai Williams, Kenobi Jones (grandchildren) and Victor Evans (nephew).

He is survived by his spouse, Foristeen Royster, of Cleveland, OH; his children, Cynthia Royster, Emily (Tim) Alford, Cheryl Frazier, Jahmai Royster, all of Albany, GA, Jonya Royster of Sylvester, GA, Samuel Royster, Cody Royster both of Jacksonville, FL, Leslie Royster of Palm Coast, FL, Johnnie ( Leah) Royster, Jr. of Guam; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother, Curtis (Azalea) Royster of Atlanta, GA; his sister, Betty Davis of Melbourne, FL; brother-in-law, Charlie James of Atlanta, Ga; sister-in-law, Mary Royster of Atlanta, GA; night sitter, Bobby Gladden, and nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends, too many to name.