Dates
Royce Lee Sprott of San Angelo, Texas, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2026. He was born to LeRoy and Lila Lee Reagor Sprott on December 4, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Bandera High School in 1965. Royce always maintained his thankfulness for the opportunities he had growing up in Bandera. He credited the community, the teachers, his friends, his church, and his family with any success he had. Royce went on to graduate from Southwest Texas State University with both a B.S. and a Master's in Education. He earned additional education certifications while attending North Texas State University and Angelo State University.
After graduating from SWTSU, he began his teaching and coaching career in 1969 at Harlandale High School in San Antonio. During his educational career, he taught English, coached football and track, and served as a school counselor, athletic director, assistant principal, and high school principal. He touched lives in Harlandale ISD, Judson ISD, Marion ISD, Nocona ISD, and San Angelo ISD. After retirement, he served in interim administrative positions at Ballinger ISD and Miles ISD. He felt fulfilled being a part of education and enjoyed every district and role in which he touched the lives of students.
While at SWTSU, he met the love of his life, and on July 25, 1970, he married his soul mate, Joyce Greenway. It was love at first sight, and they married after just five months of dating. Recently, they celebrated their fifty-sixth wedding anniversary. They had two children, Robin Graves and Ryan Sprott. Royce was an amazing dad who loved his children fiercely. He was involved in all of their activities and often talked about how their interests, though sometimes different from his own, greatly enriched his life. He was so proud of how they live their lives and of the people they are.
Following his educational career, Royce became a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker where he enjoyed meeting new people and helping families find the right home.
Volunteering and serving were two things he greatly enjoyed. He was involved in many church activities and committees beyond worship and Bible studies. He had a strong faith that he lived out each day. He was kind, generous, gentle, patient, humble and loving with a true servant heart. He and Joyce taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School for children and college-aged students, and he also served as a mentor for students going through confirmation. He was always ready to do something funny for the children, often involving "dressing up" and acting outlandish. Having been an Eagle Scout himself, he enjoyed serving as a committee member and assistant scoutmaster for Ryan's Scout Troop 374. He attended many camping trips and completed the Philmont trek with a group from the troop. Relay for Life was an important way to support his friends going through cancer treatments. He was a nominee for Ms. Relay for Life one year, and although he did not make a pretty woman, he gave people lots of laughter. He took part in several Walks to Emmaus and Chrysalis Flights, where his and Joyce's "Marriage Talk" was always a hit. He served on the West Texas Boys Ranch Board of Directors, the Education Service Center Region 15 Board of Directors, and the Concho Educators FCU Supervisory Committee. He volunteered at the Wesley Trinity UMC Daily Bread Lunch Program, Meals for the Elderly and Kids Eat Free for as long as his health allowed. Most recently, he and friends from his beloved Sunday school class, “The Penguins”, walked with him in his honor to raise funds for Alzheimer's research.
His grandchildren were a huge joy to him. His playful, happy and kind spirit made for many treasured memories for Katelynn and Peyton Graves and Emma and Leon Sprott. When Granddad was there, something fun was bound to happen.
Royce was very proud of his three younger brothers. They were very close and intentionally made time to spend with one another. He was blessed to be able to have many special times with them and their families.
Surviving Royce are his wife, Joyce Sprott; his much-adored children, Robin Graves and husband Jared, and Ryan Sprott and wife Erin; his precious grandchildren, Katelynn and Peyton Graves and Emma and Leon Sprott; his devoted brothers, Rodney and wife Marcia, Rickie and wife Angela, and Roger and wife Barbara; and his aunt, Linda Carta. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, and cousins, who were all very dear to him and a source of much joy.
He was preceded in death by his first baby boy; his dearly loved parents, LeRoy and Lila Sprott; his in-laws, W. Joe and Helen Greenway; and his sister-in-law, Linda Miller, and her husband, Ron.
The Memorial Service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Sierra Vista United Methodist with Rev. Tamara Strehli officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sierra Vista UMC (sierravista.org), West Texas Boys Ranch (West Texas Boys Ranch ), Concho Valley Retired Teachers and Associates Scholarship Fund (3214 Forest Trail Drive, San Angelo 76904-Note: Please include Royce’s name and your contact information) or any charity of your choice.