Royce R. Shafter

Royce R. Shafter was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He lived a full life of family, friends, business and travel. Royce was born in 1930 to Royce Sr. and Shirley Shafter. He grew up in Detroit, MI with his younger sister and enjoyed spending summers at the family’s cottage in East Tawas. He met his future wife during a promotional photo shoot at Albion College. Royce graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s degree in Science and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. After college, he attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and served in the U.S. Navy for three years. Royce was employed by IT&T before starting a chain of restaurants in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan with his business partners. He and his wife, Joan, raised their two sons, Donald and James in Ft. Wayne, IN. before retiring to Ponte Vedra, Beach Florida in 1980. He and his family were avid sailors and spent their free time cruising the Great Lakes and Caribbean. Royce had a thirst for knowledge and adventure which led Them both to travel the world. They visited all seven continents and loved to venture off the beaten path. From backpacking in Patagonia and traveling the Siberian Railroad to visiting the Great Wall of China and exploring Africa, Royce had the opportunity to see the world in ways only few do. His love of learning also led him to obtain his pilot’s license and become commercial multi-engine instructor and airline transport pilot rated. Royce was involved in the greater St. Augustine community and served as president of the South Ponte Vedra Association and was a member of the St. Augustine Rotary Club. Royce passed away on January 12, 2022 at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, sister Suzanne Zinser (Jack), sons Donald (Gail) and James (Nancy), four grandchildren: Brandon (Ashley), Jessica (Zack), Erin (Nick) and Brett (Sarah) and six great grandchildren: Liam, Vivian, Luke, Jack, Levi and Stella. Royce leaves behind a legacy of curiosity and adventure and will be remembered for his intellect, quiet and humble nature, and his love for Knowledge.