2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

INTRODUCED

26200101D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2057

Offered April 23, 2026

Prefiled April 23, 2026

Celebrating the life of Frank Spencer Royal, Sr.

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Patrons—Carr, Cousins, Fowler, Martinez, McQuinn, Schmidt, Simonds, Ward, Ware and Willett

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WHEREAS, Frank Spencer Royal, Sr., an esteemed physician, dedicated leader in health care, education, and business, and beloved member of the Richmond community, died on February 2, 2026; and

WHEREAS, a native of Lynchburg, Frank Royal graduated from Virginia Union University before earning a medical degree from Meharry Medical College; and

WHEREAS, Frank Royal practiced for many years at Richmond Community Hospital, demonstrating exceptional talent and compassion as he worked tirelessly to care for his patients, and he played an instrumental role in the hospital's relocation to the Church Hill neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Frank Royal advanced medicine and health care for minorities and disadvantaged people as board chair and later president of the National Medical Association; and

WHEREAS, Frank Royal was committed to the growth and success of his alma maters, serving as chair of both the Board of Trustees of Meharry Medical College and the board of Virginia Union University for 30 years; and

WHEREAS, as a testament to his leadership and vision, Frank Royal served as director for several distinguished companies, including Best Products, Chesapeake Corporation, Smithfield Foods, Dominion Energy, HCA Healthcare, SunTrust Banks, and CSX Corporation; and

WHEREAS, Frank Royal was a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as well as a proud member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, the National Association of Guardsmen, Inc., and the Commonwealth Club; and

WHEREAS, Frank Royal was a noted philanthropist who supported young people by establishing the Pamela and Frank S. Royal, Sr. Endowed Scholarship and the Royal Society at Meharry Medical College; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Frank Royal enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Garland Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond; and

WHEREAS, Frank Royal will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Pamela; his children, Pamela, Karen, and Frank, Jr., and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Frank Spencer Royal, Sr., a cherished member of the Richmond community whose legacy of service, faith, and generosity will forever inspire all who knew him; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Frank Spencer Royal, Sr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.