Charles Brookshire Royals has peacefully passed away following a long illness. Charles was born March 22, 1949 to Mary Alice Brookshire Royals and Dr. James Lee Royals. Charles is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lisa Adams Royals; his son Charles Brookshire (Brooks) Royals, Jr. of San Francisco; stepson Adam Patterson of Washington D.C; brother Jimmy Royals (Marilyn), nieces Lee Ann Royals Lutken (Jack), Katie Royals Howe (Kyle), two great- nieces, and 3 great-nephews, all from Madison, Mississippi. He also leaves behind numerous cousins and life long friends in Mississippi and the South

Charles grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, attained the rank of Eagle Scout, attended Murrah High School (class of 1967), and received his B.A. and M.S. from University of Mississippi. While at Ole Miss, he maintained and formed many loyal friendships that endured throughout his lifetime. He was a proud member (and president) of Sigma Chi fraternity.In 1975, Charles moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he worked as a stockbroker and assistant manager in the San Francisco office of Dean Witter. He married his longtime college friend, Nancy Woodbury. Even after their divorce, Nancy remained a dear friend to Charles, and later to Lisa and Brooks

From 1982 to 2023, Charles served as an Officer and Director of Trans World Assurance Company in San Mateo, California, first as Vice President, then as President. He retired as President and Chairman of the Board in 2023. With a successful sales and financial background—together with his unbridled enthusiasm—Charles was highly revered by TWA agents worldwide. His leadership kept TWA stable, productive, financially solid, and profitable for several decades

In 1995, Charles and Lisa were married, and Charles started a new chapter in his life as a loving and generous stepfather to Adam. His world, and heart, grew even more full with the birth of their son Brooks in 1998. Charles was a devoted and encouraging father who often imparted Southern “words of wisdom” with a wink and a twinkle in his eye.

Charles was a gifted athlete who excelled due to his good old-fashioned belief in practice, and then more practice. He played football and tennis in high school, and competitive handball at the South End Rowing Club in San Francisco. He was an avid cyclist as well as an excellent golfer, and was a member of Spyglass and Monterey Peninsula Country Club in Pebble Beach, and Peninsula Golf and Country Club in San Mateo. At PGCC, he served in many capacities for over 40 years, including Board President

Charles was beloved as a kind, unselfish, sincerely friendly, and ever enthusiastic person. He was an animal lover, and an unfailingly loyal husband, father, and friend. He was also extremely charitable, often quietly helping people without their knowledge. He was The World’s Most Generous Man, and he lit up the room with his blue eyes and big effortless smile. Charles was a true Southern gentleman, and will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Charles‘s life will be held on December 4, 2026 at the Penninsula Golf and Country Club from 2:00–5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, or Women for Women International.