He was a retired farmer, millworker and school bus driver and member of Ladelle Baptist Church. Royce enjoyed camping, fishing, playing board games and just being outdoors. He was also a 32nd Degree mason. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Anne Ellis.
He is survived by his wife, Margie Satterlee Ellis; his children, Kristi Best (Tommy), Anita Poole Endsley (Keith), and Alan Newton (Kathy Burmingham-Cleveland); grandchildren, Ashley Poole, Matt Poole, Selby Best and J.T. Best; great grandchildren, Dean, Kaia, Lucas, Mollie, Indie and Henry; along with a loving nephew and caregiver, Dale Satterlee.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. There will be a visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Burial will be in Sixteenth Section Cemetery. You can sign Mr. Royce' guestbook registry here on his page.
Condolences(5)
Misty Richardson
Wills Point, TX Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Uncle Royce was such a loving kind gentle and patient man. I remember going to Arkansas to visit the family and he was always so calm and collected even when dealing with our wild butts. He was always smiling and no matter what I never felt judged by him. He just talked to me like an adult and tried to guide me on the right path. He was truly a gem. Aunt Margie my heart goes out to u and the rest of the family. I know he will be missed deeply. I love yall and sorry I couldn’t make it to the service. Yall are in my prayers.Stefanie Lehman
Killeen, TX Wednesday, January 7, 2026 To my dearest Margie and family,Im so sorry to hear about Royce! What an amazing man! I have so many wonderful childhood memories that involve all of you! Thinking and praying for you all! Love you!
Sherry Ellis O'Neill-Rawls
Monticello, AR Wednesday, January 7, 2026 I am so sorry to read of Royce's death after his visitation has already passed. I regret I did not know sooner. My condolences to the rest of the family. May God comfort and bless you. I miss those Ellis reunions we used to have at Cecil and Thelma's back in the day.Royce was a person who spoke exactly what he thought and I never knew him to lie. The world needed more good men like Royce. Rest in peace, cousin. I shall miss you.
Matthew Brown
OAK POINT, TX Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Thinking of you Margie. Our prayers go out to you in hopes of providing some comfort.Billy Collins
Farmington, AR Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Praying for you & the family. Royce was one of the best men I have known. Praise God he’s in heaven & we will see him again.