Virginia Union University Honors the Legacy of Distinguished Alumnus and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Frank S. Royal, Sr. '61
February 05, 2026
Dr. Frank Spencer Royal, Sr., of Richmond, Virginia, transitioned to eternal life on February 2, 2026. The younger of twin sons born to Hazel Jones Royal and Harry Spencer Royal, he lived a life shaped by faith, family, servant leadership, and an unwavering commitment to education and community uplift.
A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, Dr. Royal attended Lynchburg Public Schools before enrolling at Virginia Union University, where he graduated in 1961, earning a degree in Chemistry. Soon after graduation, he married Pamela Charlton, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, service, and shared purpose. The couple later moved to Nashville,
where he earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College, another institution to which he would devote decades of service and philanthropy.
Dr. Royal’s leadership at Virginia Union University was historic and transformational. He joined the University’s Board of Trustees in 1971, served faithfully for 40 years, and served as Chairman of the Board from 1982 to 2011. During his tenure, he helped guide major institutional growth, academic strengthening, and campus development. In recognition of his extraordinary leadership, the University dedicated the Frank S. Royal, Sr. Board Room in his honor and unveiled his portrait as a tribute to his enduring service.
His influence extended far beyond campus. Dr. Royal served as Chairman of the Board and later President of the National Medical Association, advocating nationally for equity and excellence in healthcare. He chaired the Board of Trustees of Meharry Medical College for 30 years, leading a transformative $127.5 million campaign to strengthen infrastructure and academic programs. In Richmond, he played a pivotal role in spearheading the relocation of Richmond Community Hospital, ensuring continued access to quality care for the community.
A servant leader in every sense, Dr. Royal was a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, The National Association of Guardsmen, Inc., and The Commonwealth Club. He also lent his expertise in governance to major corporations, including Dominion Energy, HCA Healthcare, SunTrust Banks, and CSX Corporation.
Together, Frank and Pamela Royal’s philanthropy established the Pamela and Frank S. Royal, Sr. Endowed Scholarship and the Royal Society at Meharry Medical College. Of all their accomplishments, they were most proud of their children—Pamela, Karen, and Frank, Jr.—and the legacy of family they built.
Dr. Royal was preceded in death by his parents and great-granddaughter, Arrington Adekoya. He is survived by his devoted wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, twin brother Harry Willis Royal, extended family, and countless mentees, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched.
Viewing & Services
Viewing will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM at Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. The family will receive friends from 6 PM to 8 PM at Garland Avenue Baptist Church, 2700 Garland Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, February 7, at 11 AM, followed by interment at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Dr. Frank Spencer Royal, Sr., leaves behind a legacy etched in institutions, communities, and generations of leaders. His life was one of purpose—faithfully lived, generously given, and forever remembered.