Frank Spencer

Royal, Sr.

Dr. Frank Spencer Royal, Sr. of Richmond, Virginia transitioned to eternal life on February 2, 2026. He was the younger of twin sons born to Hazel Jones Royal and Harry Spencer Royal. He was raised with a deep commitment to faith, family, servant leadership, and education - values that shaped every aspect of his life.

A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, Frank was deeply rooted in his community from an early age. He attended Lynchburg Public Schools before enrolling at Virginia Union University in Richmond. Upon graduating from Union, he married Pamela Charlton, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in love, service, and shared purpose. The couple later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where Frank earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College. He developed an enduring devotion to both Virginia Union University and Meharry Medical College and remained actively engaged as a dedicated alumnus.

Frank's distinguished career in healthcare spanned decades and reflected his unwavering dedication to both medicine and leadership. He served as Chairman of the Board and later President of the National Medical Association. He chaired the Board of Trustees of Meharry Medical College for 30 years, during which time he led a transformative $127.5 million campaign to strengthen infrastructure and academic programs. He also played a pivotal role in spearheading the relocation of Richmond Community Hospital. His civic engagement was broad and impactful, particularly within the Richmond community. Most notably, Frank served as Chair of the Board of Virginia Union University for 30 years, providing visionary leadership that fueled the institution's expansion and advancement. He was a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and remained steadfast in living out the fraternity's principles throughout his life. He was a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Alpha Beta Boulé), The National Association of Guardsmen, Inc., and The Commonwealth Club.

In addition to his healthcare and civic leadership, Frank made significant contributions in the corporate sector, serving as a Director for several prominent companies, including Best Products, Chesapeake Corporation, Smithfield Foods, Dominion Energy, HCA Healthcare, SunTrust Banks, and CSX Corporation, where he offered his expertise in governance and healthcare.

Frank and Pamela's enduring partnership was marked by meaningful philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of the Pamela and Frank S. Royal, Sr. Endowed Scholarship and the Royal Society at Meharry Medical College. While their accomplishments were many, they were most proud of their children, Pamela, Karen, and Frank, Jr., and the legacy of family they built together.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel Jones Royal and Harry Spencer Royal, and great-granddaughter, Arrington Adekoya. Surviving are his wife, Pamela Charlton Royal; children, Pamela Jenkins (C.N.), Karen Love (Rod), and Frank S. Royal, Jr.; grandchildren, Sydney Jenkins, Berkley Adekoya (Wale), McKinley Gordon (Raymond), Erica Royal, Clarence N. Jenkins, III (Sydney), Frank S. Royal, III, Josef Love, Colin Royal, Miles Love, and Mason Love; great-grandchildren, Adewale David Adekoya, Jr., Adebuloye Duke Adekoya, and Raymond G. Gordon, III; twin brother, Harry Willis Royal; sister-in-laws, Janai Reed, Lei Charlton, Lorna Charlton; brother-in-law, Jaehn A. Charlton; first cousins, Reginald Brown and Mila Chavis, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held Friday, February 6, 2026 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. followed by the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Garland Avenue Baptist Church, 2700 Garland Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 and where a Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, February 7 at 11 a.m. Interment Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1400 S. Randolph Street, Richmond, VA 23220.