Royal Hardin Washburn

Royal Hardin Washburn passed away on March 18, 2025. He was born in Tennessee in November 1941 as the only child of LaRue and Eunice Azell Washburn. He grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana where he graduated from Byrd High School. He received his business degree from Louisiana Tech University.

In 1962, Royal married the love of his life, Susan (Suzy) Stanfield. In September 2024, they celebrated their 62nd anniversary. Throughout their lives, they shared a love and a friendship that was made to last. He is survived by his wife Suzy, his daughter and son-in law, Suzanne and Drew May of Conway, Arkansas, and his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Lori Washburn of Conway, Arkansas. He is also survived by his grandson, Justin Washburn (Megan) of Tontitown, AR, his grandson Jordan Washburn (Sarah) of Hot Springs, AR, his granddaughter Lauren Capuz (Eleazar) of Miami, FL, his granddaughter Morgan Austin (Matt) of Conway, AR, his granddaughter Landry Gannon (Chad) of Mesquite, TX and nine great-grandchildren.

Royal was a branch manager for Tele-Service, a telephone refurbishing company in Texarkana, Texas with 7 plants around the United States, in the late 1970’s. He successfully ran his branch profitably and began helping to build the other branches. In 1980, he bought the company. As President and CEO, he grew the business rapidly and ultimately sold it to Northern Telecom in 1983.

In the late 1980’s, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing the Chevrolet dealership in Foreman, Arkansas, which he named Royal Chevrolet. The Corvette was his favorite, and he enjoyed several while owning the dealership.

After selling the dealership and retiring, travel became his passion. Royal and Suzy purchased a home in Osprey, Florida and enjoyed boating on the Gulf of Mexico and traveling around the country with friends in their Bluebird motorhome. He enjoyed seeing the country and spending time with friends and family. In 1998, he and Suzy moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas and opened Royal Handpiece Repair. They spent 20 years providing services to dentists around the country by repairing their handpieces and surprising their staff with M&M’s.

In 2002, Royal and Suzy moved to Conway, AR to be close to their family.

In his last few years, Royal battled dementia as Suzy provided care for him. He lived an amazing life and loved his family dearly. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his generosity, his love of dogs, his world-class popcorn, and his strong work ethic. He was a very kind, sweet man who will be missed greatly.

Royal will be buried in a private family ceremony in Hot Springs, Arkansas.