Apostle Kenneth Royal
1953 ~ 2021
Date of Death: July 17, 2021
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Royal family. Kenneth’s earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Apostle Kenneth Wayne Royal.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Apostle Kenneth Wayne Royal was born on Monday, November 2, 1953 in Moffett, Oklahoma. He was called by God to take his eternal rest on Saturday, July 17, 2021 from Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was the oldest of three boys, his brothers: Herbert, Jr. and Gregory (deceased) completed the family circle. Kenneth was very attached to his grandmother: Selma Byars; his mother: Sylvia Royal Smith and his step-father: Herbert (Geechie) Maxwell Smith, Sr., who all precedes him in death.
Kenneth attended the Fort Smith Public Schools. He graduated from Northside High School, and continued his education to receive his Associate of Arts Degree. As a career, he dedicated his life blessing many lives as a Respiratory Therapist at Saint Edwards Mercy Hospital.
Kenneth met the love of his life, Pastor Rhonda Kursh, and they wed on Saturday, September 28, 1991. They celebrated twenty-nine years of a blissful loving relationship. He was ordained by Dr. Bishop John E. Harker under the leadership of Dr. L. E. Braggs as an Apostle on Sunday, May 28, 1995. Together they founded New Horizons Ministries in July of 1994. Many lives have been touched and changed through the Outpouring Conferences, Understanding the Times Conferences, the Apostolic & Prophetic School of Ministry and his prophetic flow in many churches.
Kenneth was unparalleled on the organ playing “the shout” and every service had a praise break. He played in the studio with such artists as Luther Vandross, the Clark Sisters, Rev. James Moore and many more too numerous to list. His gift of music started early by playing for various churches. Later in life, he moved to Gary, Indiana and he also played for churches in the Church of God in Christ. When he relocated back to Arkansas, he served as the Minister of Music for the First Jurisdiction of Arkansas Churches of God in Christ. He also served the congregation at First Church of God in Christ in Fort Smith as the organist. Through the years, he has served many through his musical giftings, but near and dear to his heart was the Metro Witness Chorale and Fort Smith Community Choir.
Kenneth leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Pastor Rhonda L. Royal, Sebastian County Justice of the Peace; his father, Jackie Williams; his brother, Herbert Maxwell Smith, Jr.; uncle, Melvin (Ann) Williams; aunt-in-law, Delores Royal; surrogate son, Jaibrannin Campbell and a host of extended aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual children and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and appreciated him while he served God throughout his life.
Walk through visitation will be on Friday, July 23, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary 611 North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 11 a.m. at New Covenant International Center 4400 North N Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.
Committal service and final resting place will be at the Oak Cemetery Fort Smith, Arkansas.
