Walter Jerry Lewis Royal

Walter Jerry Lewis Royal 67, a resident of Durham North Carolina formerly of Elmore County, Alabama transitioned May 22, 2023. Funeral Service will be Sunday May 28, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church, Rockford, Alabama burial to follow in Church Cemetery. Mr. Walter Jerry Lewis Royal, affectionately known by his childhood nickname “Pete”, was born on May 18,1956 to the late Mrs. Ida Mae Reynolds and Mr. Columbus Felix Ransaw. He confessed Christ at an early age and joined Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church. Pete loved football and was an outstanding athlete at Elmore County High School as well as Alabama State University. After College he went onto follow his life’s passion when he started his culinary journey in the Triangle at the Fearrington House in Pittsboro in the early 1980s. He then moved on to Durham, helping to start the award-winning Magnolia Grill before finding the place that he loved and touched so many, The Angus Barn, and becoming first-ever executive chef in 1997. His career took him across the country, including a victory in a 2006 episode of Iron Chef America, becoming the first ever African American 5 star Chef of the Year, and earning an Honorary Doctorates Degree in the field of Culinary Arts from N. C. Central State University. Pete was preceded in death by his father Mr. Columbus Ransaw, His mother Mrs. Ida Reynolds, stepfather Mr. Willie Reynolds, and sister Ms. Beatrice Golden. Even though he had so many accomplishments and had reached so many people, his biggest pride and the joy of his life was his only grandson Walter Lacey II, and his very close-knit family. Walter was called into eternal rest by God on May 22, 2023. Walter leaves to forever cherish his memories his son Walter (Tamela) Lacey: Grandson Walter Lacey II: siblings Maxine Birmingham, James E. Royal, Reginald (Stephanie) Royal, Michael (Judy) Golden, Stephanie Meadows, Wilma Leonard, and Johnny Golden: two adopted children Bernard (Joann) Birmingham and Beverly Jackson: two uncles James Royal and Bobby (Shirley) Royal: a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Also, extended family Glenda F. Lacey, Rev. Dr. Wilbert & Diane Richardson, Lorenzo & Margaret Huggins, and Angus Barn staff, with Hillside Memorial and Gardens directing.

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Walter Jerry Lewis Royal

May 18, 1956 - May 22, 2023