Mayo H. Royal, Jr.

Mayo Hartman Royal Jr., a kind and gentle man with a quick wit and a heart for others, passed away peacefully at the UAB Palliative and Comfort Care Unit in Birmingham, Alabama, on September 12, 2026. Mayo was a graduate of Emory University and spent his career as an accountant, a profession that suited his thoughtful nature, sharp mind, and careful attention to detail. But the most important story of his life began much earlier. Mayo and his wife, Nancy Batchelor, were high school sweethearts, beginning a love story that would carry them through a lifetime together. Along the way, they built a family and made homes in Newnan, Georgia; Jasper, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; and Gulf Shores, Alabama, before recently returning to Birmingham to be closer to their girls. Each place became part of their story and brought friendships and memories they treasured. His faith was an important part of his life, and wherever he lived, he found a church home. Over the years, he was a faithful member of First Baptist Newnan, First Baptist Dawsonville, Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, and First Baptist Gulf Shores. Those who knew Mayo knew his kindness. He was generous and thoughtful, with a way of making people feel comfortable and cared for. But they also knew his sense of humor. Mayo loved to laugh, loved to make other people laugh, and never passed up the opportunity for a good dad joke - or even a not-so-good one. His quick wit stayed with him throughout his life and brought plenty of laughter to the people lucky enough to know him. More than anything, Mayo loved his family. He was a devoted husband to Nancy and a loving father to his daughters, Mandy Sears and Molly Morrow, and son-in-law, Jason Sears. He also dearly loved his sisters, Nancy Royal Helton and Anita Royal. Being a grandfather was one of his greatest joys. He was incredibly proud of his four grandsons, Drake Sears, Evan Morrow, Drew Sears, and Drennen Sears. They each knew how deeply their Papa loved them, and they will carry his legacy of kindness, humor, and strong faith. Mayo was preceded in death by his parents, Mayo H. Royal Sr. and Elizabeth Royal and Nancy's parents, Harold and Jewell Batchelor. His family will miss so many things about him - his steady presence, his gentle spirit, his intelligence, his generosity, and especially the laughter he brought into their lives. He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed. A visitation will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama, followed by a service celebrating Mayo's life at 2:30 p.m. For friends and family who are unable to attend in person, the 2:30 p.m. service will be livestreamed, and a link will be added here once available. Burial will be facilitated by McKoon Funeral Home in Newnan, Georgia. Rather than flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Newnan, First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores, or to Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory

Mayo H. Royal, Jr.

September 15, 1949 - September 12, 2026