HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – – After a loved one passes on, funeral directors play a vital role in the healing process. They come to a family in their hour of greatest need, and even though they may be strangers, they care for the family and the deceased with respect and dignity. Funeral directors stand between the family’s past and present. They guide the dead to their final resting place and the family on their new path.
Often referred to as the “Twins”, Mr. Ronald and Mr. Richard Fletcher have played this part and have served Royal Funeral Home, Incorporated for 67 years. They are skilled in their craft and have given of their time to benefit the Huntsville, Madison County and surrounding areas over the past six decades. They exude the characteristics of servanthood to mankind. The management and staff at Royal Funeral Home, Inc., recognize Mr. Ronald and Mr. Richard Fletcher reminiscent of the Order of Chivalry related to funeral service.
It is rare that a business remains viable for 100 years, and especially for an African American owned, third generation family business. It is even more uncommon that a company would have an employee remain with the firm for 67 of those 100 years of existence. On Sunday, March 11th, Royal Funeral Home, Inc., celebrated an unusual occasion with a “Royal Fete.” The owners, funeral directors and funeral associates of Royal Funeral Home decided to share a celebration of its 100th Anniversary with the public to honor its two longest serving employees, Mr. Ronald and Mr. Richard Fletcher.
Ronald and Richard were recognized for their longevity and exemplary service to Royal Funeral Home, Inc., with a ceremony benefiting a Knight. The Code of Chivalry dictates a Knight should be brave and fearless and would also exhibit cultured qualities showing themselves to be devout, loyal and generous. One of the crowning moments of the celebration featured a Royal Accolade by Mr. David W. and Mrs. Karen Jones Smith, owners of Royal, wherein the twins were knighted; once for Honor, twice for Duty and thrice for Chivalry.
The evening of tribute also featured musical selections by Mr. Calvin Drake, Ms. Renee Knight and Mr. Tommy Lockhart. A powerful creative dance by the members of Dancing Under the Influence of the Holy Spirit was also performed in their honor. Following the formal program, a reception was held wherein presentations were made to the Twins from Representative Laura Hall on behalf of the Governor’s office and State Legislature. City Councilman Will Culver made a presentation on behalf of the Mayor of Huntsville and the City Council. Additionally, a presentation was made on behalf of the Madison County Commission District 6. The highlight of the reception captured the unveiling of a Zimbabwe soapstone carving from the Family Circle Collection by Elliot Rumano. The sculpture, symbolic of twins, consisted of two bodies with arms intertwined. The statue will be erected at Royal Funeral Home along with a bronze plate depicting the image of Mr. Ronald and Mr. Richard Fletcher.
The plate bears the inscription “Our profound gratitude and applause to each of you for the 67 years of service. Your enduring loyalty, unparalleled dedication, veritable diligence, undeniable service and abiding love for Royal Funeral Home on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary is forever etched in history.” These words epitomize not only the high esteem with which the Fletchers are held by the Royal owners and employees, but also by members of this community.
