A funeral service for Royce Hargrove Brown, 81, of Marshall, TX will be held 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 23, 2025, in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Royce was born on July 29, 1943, and passed away peacefully in his home on February 14, 2025.  His life was marked by dedication, humor, achievement, and an unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and community.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Hargrove Brown, his mother, Marjorie Barnwell Brown and his brother-in-law, Ronnie Owen.

Royce is survived by his sister, Dale Brown Owen, her children, Ashley Anderson Tremback, of Heath, TX, Denise Courcy and husband Chris, of Burleson, TX and Randall Owen and wife Charity of Southlake, TX. His nieces and nephews are Savanna, Tessa, Josh and Heather Tremback (Allison, Tate, Weston & Hank), Josh and Lauren Courcy (Carter), Chelsea and Chase Randall (Brylee & Barrett), Solera, Siena and Madoc Owen. He is also survived by his former wife of 20 years, Betty Lamb, who has remained his good friend and colleague in the Title Company.

Except for military service, Royce was a lifelong resident of Marshall, Texas. After graduating from Marshall High School in 1961, he attended Shriner Institute in Kerrville, TX for one year, then transferred to the Business College at The University of Texas in Austin and graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting.  He passed the CPA exam in 1965. At that time, he entered the University of Texas School of Law which he completed in 1968.  He passed the Texas Bar Exam in 1968 on the first try.

In 1969 Royce proudly joined the Navy and was ultimately stationed at Subbase New London.  In 1970 he transferred to the Army with a direct commission as Captain in the Army Judge Advocate General Corps.  He served with the Office of the Medical Research and Development Division, located in Washington, D.C.  While he was there, he earned a master's degree in taxation from George Washington University. After discharge in 1974, he returned to Marshall where he practiced accounting and law, later specializing in Real Estate Law.

In 1983 Royce purchased Harrison County Title in Marshall, which later became First Southwest Title. In 2000 Royce partnered with Central Title Company, becoming one of the owners of the company. His dedication to the title insurance agency and the practice of real estate law continued until his retirement in 2024. After that time, he continued to lend his expertise as a legal and title consultant to Central Title Company.

Royce engaged deeply with his community, contributing to various charitable causes including the Humane Society and Mission Marshall. He was very active in Farm City Week and served as Chairman for several terms.   His giving nature shaped his approach to life.  Friends and family could always count on his support. Royce is remembered for being a man of his word, his genuine empathy, and for mourning with the grieving and celebrating joyous milestones. Those fortunate enough to call Royce a friend knew the strength of his commitments.  His compassion was unconditional and his support quietly reassuring.

Animals, particularly Cocker Spaniels, held a special place in Royce's world. He was deeply compassionate toward his pets, providing them with love and care in abundance—adopting those in need and enriching his own life with their unconditional affection.

While passionate about his politics and stubborn about his beliefs, Royce maintained respect for differing opinions, engaging in debates with a good-natured tenacity. Ultimately, it was the strength of his relationships that mattered most, often opting to agree or disagree with grace.

Royce never missed a chance for gathering with his friends to enjoy his brown whiskey aka Wild Turkey and of course a good cigarette. Royce had a love of reading; he had a library full of educational books. He had an ear for good music, nice things and a passion for traveling. Royce took many luxurious trips to places such as Costa Rica, British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, New York City and many more.  He generously took his closest friends and family to enjoy the trips with him. Royce had a passion for cars and owned many luxury vehicles in his lifetime. He also had an extensive collection of stamps, art and fine wines. Royce leaves behind a legacy of service, friendship, and compassion. His warmth and humor will undoubtedly be missed by all who knew him.

His pall bearers are Randall Owen, Chris Courcy, Josh Tremback, Josh Courcy, Chase Randall and Jeff Lee. Honorary pall bearers are Rich Hayes, Bob Neal, Chase Palmer and Wesley Dorris.

The family would like to thank Riddie Jones and Hearease Moore, his sitters who took such good care of him during his last months.

As we say farewell, his legacy remains deeply embedded within the lives he touched and the community he loved. Royce's journey inspires enduring love and will be remembered.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in his honor to Friends of Marshall Animals, Michelson Museum of Art, Mission Marshall or the charity of your choice.