Royal William Connell, Jr. died of Compounding Health issues in Pensacola FL, on 18 June 2025. He was 77 years old. Royal received a Presidential appointment to the Naval Academy from his home state of Texas. As a Midshipman, he was a four year member of the Drum & Bugle Corps and graduated with the Class in June of 1970 as a member of the 24th Company.
Upon graduation, he served in USS VREELAND (DE-1068), before attending flight school in Pensacola and getting his NFO Wings of Gold in 1973. He served thereafter in the Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) community. He served two tours at the Naval Academy, first as the Navigation Course Coordinator, during which time he completed a Master’s degree in Personnel Management and authored Naval Ceremonies, Customs, and Traditions for the Naval Institute. His last active duty tour was as the USNA Personnel and Administrative Officer where he returned to his beloved D&B as the Officer Rep and led them through four straight inter-service championships.
After retiring in 1993, he stood up the Navy Junior ROTC unit at Annapolis High School and remained in uniform there for another 18 years. During that time, he was able to assist over 30 of his cadets in getting Service Academy appointments, and another 40 or so in getting ROTC Scholarships, the unit achieved the NJROTC Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors Award for 15 straight years and in 2008 was the top NJROTC unit in the Nation. After retiring again, he served eight more years as the National NJROTC Program Curriculum Director in Pensacola.
Finally retiring in 2018, he and his beloved bride rejoined the Alumni Association RV Chapter trying to see as much of the country as they could, one national park at a time. Devoted to his Church and to youth and young adult mentoring, he spent over 40 years as a Scouter, 25 years involved with NJROTC training both adults and youth, and decades involved with leadership and youth programs for the Church, not to mention his over 25 years mentoring and sponsoring Midshipmen.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Melinda Anne Rathbun originally of Battle Creek MI; three Eagle Scout sons, Royal III, Alan and David (USNA ‘11), and nine grandchildren. Memorial services will be conducted in Pensacola, with inurnment to follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at NAS Pensacola.
Updated:21 June 2025
Curator: Ed Moore