Charles H. Royce Jr.

Charles (Chuck) Haden Royce Jr, age 59, of Appleton, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025 from complications of asthma and COPD.

Chuck was born on August 10, 1965 in Appleton WI, son of Suzan Pauline (Miller) Smith and the late Charles Haden Royce Sr. He graduated from Appleton East High School in 1983, and immediately entered in the US Naval Service, where he was enlisted for four years.

Chuck’s biggest passion in life was music. He was a talented, self-taught guitar player who performed in several bands over the years, with his most recent project that was near and dear to him, Lantern Road. Chuck enjoyed writing music and was an avid collector or guitars and guitar equipment. Not only did he have a strong appreciation for music, he also encouraged those he cared about to pursue their passion for music as well, which included his nephew, Cooper, with whom he enjoyed sharing their passion for the guitar. Chuck also enjoyed watching his other nephew, Logan play football and had a great deal of enthusiasm for Logan’s high school and college football career.

Next to music, Chuck also loved to play baseball. He played throughout his childhood and continued as an adult, where he played alongside his brother, Brad, for several years in an adult league. Additionally, he had a soft spot for animals, and he especially enjoyed feeding the wildlife that would visit near his home. Chuck couldn’t pass a four-legged fur baby without stopping to say hello and acknowledge it.

Chuck was a self-made locksmith, a career he pursued and enjoyed for over 30 years. In addition, he was a long-time delivery driver for the family-owned, Dong Po, formerly Chef Chu’s. Chuck’s long-time, dedicated service contributed to a thriving delivery service all over the Fox Valley for over 20 years. He was also passionate about self-education, digging into volumes of books on investing, entrepreneurship, and music theory and exercises.

Chuck is survived by his mother and stepfather, Suzan and Henry Smith; his brother, Brad Royce; sister, Leanne Wilson; nephews, Logan and Cooper Wilson; stepmother, Barb Royce; stepbrothers, Ben and Andy Frederick, Bob (Connie) Smith, and Bill (Marcie) Smith; stepsisters, Linda (Bob) Brown, Doris Smith; and a number of aunts, cousins, and close friends who held Chuck near and dear.

Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Charles Haden Royce Sr.; both sets of maternal and paternal grandparents; and his beloved dogs.

His family would like to give special mention to Chuck’s long-time friend and trade mentor, Kim Geier. Kim shared his knowledge and taught Chuck a lot about the locksmith trade. We’d also like to give special mention to Chuck’s special friend, Robyn (Springbird) Reeves Modica, and her son and daughter, Taylor and Lauren. Robyn and her kids were near and dear to Chuck and he regarded them as family.

A celebration of life will be from 12:00PM to 4:00PM on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the American Legion, located at 3220 W. College Avenue, Appleton WI 54914. Lunch will be provided.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation in Chuck’s name to the Fox Valley Human Society, N115 Two Mile Road, Appleton, WI 54914