Ret. CSM Royce Don Burkett, 80, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2015 in Newport News, Va. He was a native of Georgiana, Ala., and a resident of Fayetteville, N.C. for 56 years. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army and retired as a command sergeant major after 24 years of service. In his time, he received a Silver Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (2d OLC), Bronze Star Medal (1st OLC), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal (six awards), Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge (two awards), Vietnam Service Medal, Master Parachute Badge, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Medal (1st OLC), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1st OLC), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star. He was an NCO graduate and graduated top of his class, as well as a Master Mason, Grand Lodge of North Carolina member, and the defensive coordinator for the Fort Bragg Dragons football team.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marcellus H. Burkett; mother, Annie Bell Reid Burkett; and brother, Shannon T. Burkett. Survivors include his daughter, Janna Outlaw and her husband, Charles T. Outlaw, II of Newport News, Va.; two grandchildren, Alexis Outlaw and Trey Outlaw of Newport News, Va.; brother, Morris H. Burkett and his wife, Bobbye Burkett of Georgiana, Ala.; three nephews, Ken Burkett, Michael Burkett, and Scott Burkett, all of Alabama; and many great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 45 Main Street, Newport News, Va. Burial will follow in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project: at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or The Garner Foundation to Support Alzheimer’s Caregivers: P.O. Box 1192, Newport News, VA 23601. Arrangements are in the care of Peninsula Funeral Home.