was born in Dos Palos, California on December 5, 1944 to Bonnie and Earl Bonds. He was raised in Dos Palos with his brothers Larry and Dickie Bonds and sisters Jeannie Ballinger and Bonnie Dewey. Royce graduated from Dos Palos High School in 1963 and worked for his family septic business. He later went to Barber College in Fresno, graduating in 1965. After completing his journeyman work in Clovis in January of 1968, he opened his own barber shop in Dos Palos. Royce married Sue Pate in December of 1967. Royce and Sue were blessed with two daughters, Dawn Garrett of Dos Palos, and Heidi Smith of Modesto.
In 1974, Royce went to work for Rainbo Bread as a salesman in the Dos Palos area. As with all he did, Royce found success in the bread business. Job promotions moved the family to Merced, Modesto, Denver, Oklahoma City, and back to Modesto in 1991. In 1998, Royce left Rainbo Bread and went to work at Meyers Bakery, until he retired in 2000. Royce returned to barbering and bought a barber shop in Modesto where he worked until 2016. In 2016, Royce had the pleasure of passing his barber shop onto his grandson, David Steagall.
In all that Royce did, he put God at the center of his life and sought to live each day according to God’s will. Royce was very proud of the family that God had blessed him with. He loved spending time with his family, taking trips with them, and cooking for family and friends. Royce also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the yearly camping trip to Dillon Beach. Royce also enjoyed watching football, track and the Little League World Series.
Royce is preceded in death by his parents Earl and Bonnie Bonds, brothers Dickie and Larry Bonds, his sister-in-law Gayle Bonds, and brother-in-law Jim Ballinger. Royce is survived by his wife Sue Bonds, daughter Dawn Garrett, son-in-law Greg Garrett, daughter Heidi Smith, and son-in-law Sean Smith. Royce was blessed with and survived by grandson David Steagall and his wife Danielle Steagall, granddaughters Kendra Steagall and Ashlynn Climer, and great grandson Waylon Steagall. Royce is also survived by his sisters Jeannie Ballinger, Bonnie Dewey, and Glennia Dickinson. In addition, Royce is survived by his sister-in-law Darlene Bonds, brother-in-law Glen Pate, sister-in-law Peggy Pate, sister-in-law Peggy Beyerly, brother-in-law Jim Beyerly, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Royce went to be with our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at his home in Modesto, California. Royce’s great personality, never-ending stories, and amazing cooking will be missed by all of those who knew and loved him.
