Royse Thigpen

Royse Thigpen
Royse Thigpen

Royse Thigpen, 72, of Dallas, TX formerly of Amarillo, TX faithful husband of Martha (Simpson) Thigpen and loving father of Dr. Matt Thigpen and Holly Eaton transitioned from this life to eternity on December 27, 2020, after a hard-fought battle with pancreatitis.

Services will be at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, January 2, 2021, in the Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel with Dr. G. A. Roach officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd in Amarillo.

Royse was born in Amarillo, TX on April 15, 1948, to Colleen and B.F. Thigpen. He was a graduate of Texas Tech University and spent time working in the oil, gas, and electric industries before beginning his career with the Dallas Independent School District.

Royse was a 20-year employee of Dallas ISD in the human capital management department where he helped thousands of DISD employees with retirement. He loved his job helping thousands retire, but he had a special place in his heart for the cafeteria workers and janitors, and this encompasses who he was as a person in so many ways – caring for those often overlooked.

Royse and Marti attended Skillman Road Church of Christ where Royse enjoyed serving on the communion team. He and Marti were preparing to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on January 3. Royse loved his family deeply and was immensely proud of them and was happiest when he was with them. His family and friends will remember him as a kind and humble man with a great sense of humor, deep love for his family, and an unwavering faith in Jesus.

He will be dearly missed but his family takes comfort in the hope that Jesus gives to those who have fallen asleep in the Lord and look forward to the great day of our resurrection.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, B. F. and Colleen Thigpen.

Survivors include his wife Martha (Simpson), son Matt with wife Wendy and grandson Nathan of Guatemala, and daughter Holly Eaton with husband Bryan and granddaughter Sophia of Lewisville; two sisters, Sharon and husband John Pace and their sons Jason of Amarillo, Ryan of Midlothian, Keith of Amarillo and their wives; and Carol and husband Ken Cobb of Amarillo and their sons Andy of Amarillo and Randy of Denver and their wives; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Thigpen Medical Mission to Guatemala. Donations can be made online at  https://givesendgo.com/Thigpenmedicalmissionguatemala or by offline donation with checks made payable to Matt Thigpen at 1426 Cheyenne Road, Lewisville, Texas 75077

Use this link to live stream the service: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwxCSdC9KKslSEh3MxAy1pA/featured?view_as=subscriber

15 Replies to “Royse Thigpen”

  1. Missing Dad as I write this. He was a quiet but kind and generous man. He was the type to listen and then cheer me up. He looked on the bright side of life and kept us all laughing all the way to his 43rd day in the hospital. His physical presence will be deeply missed. I pray that we will continue his legacy of service, joy, faithfulness and humility as we remember him. Love, Holly Sugar

  2. The officers, staff, and members of Alliance/AFT send our heartfelt condolences to Royce’s family and friends during this difficult time! He was a jewel to work with and so knowledgeable in his work at Dallas ISD. He assisted many of our members and made such a difference for each one. We will miss his friendliness, expertise, and servant heart. Prayers and thoughts for the family in the days and weeks ahead.

  3. I enjoyed my time in HR working with Royse over the years. He was always kind, patient and willing to help everyone with their questions regarding TRS and retirement. His kindness and expertise will be missed. My condolences to the Thigpen family. Rest in peace my good friend and DISD colleague.

  4. Your family has our sympathy. It was a blessing to have you as part of lives during the time that Holly and our daughter, Ashley, were friends at South Georgia Elementary. Ashley was just telling her daughter about her and Holly’s friendship growing up. Wonderful memories remain as we lift you up in prayer, Glenda Neill

  5. Carol, Marti, Matt and Holly,
    There are no appropriate words at times like this. Please know that you all have been in my daily prayers and will continue to be.
    Life/death, so precious but so unpredictable????
    Loved what little time I got to spend with you Marti and Holly, but I will definitely be here for My sweet sweet friend CAROL.
    Love,
    Anita Kesler.

  6. Royce: you fought the good fight, kept the faith and finished the course, henceforth is laid up for you a crown of faith. good job, brother.

    God be with you Marti,

    Bob Ward

  7. Marti and family,

    I’m so sorry to hear about Royse’s passing. He was such a wonderful and special person. I’m so happy to have known him. I’m thankful for being friends and neighbors with all of you!!!
    My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Much love, Jan

  8. My deepest sympathy to the Thigpen family.
    My name is Yvonne Spencer and I had the pleasure of hiring and working with Royse at DISD. I remember him as being a very dedicated employee. He and I shared the compassion for all retirees and the forgotten essential workers.
    Rest in Peace my friend.

  9. It was an honor and blessing to know this fine Christian man, brother-in-law, and just a good person! We know you are victorious in Christ Jesus! ❤️

  10. We were saddened to hear about Royce. We reflected back on all the fun years we had together in Amarillo at church and playing cards. We are so thankful for all those great memories and the long friendship with Royse and Marti. After they moved, we were blessed to see them at the Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve as they returned to Amarillo to celebrate with their family. We love you, Marti and our prayers are with you, Matt and Holly!

  11. So sorry to hear about Royse!! I feel blessed that I was able to have him as a friend from the 8th grade through high school, & then briefly at church. I never heard anyone say anything negative about Royse. There is no telling how many hours he spent helping out the Sandie sports teams just because he wanted to! He was just a good Christian man! May the Lord bless his family with peace & comfort. In Him, Richard Rice

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