Homegoing services for Mr. Ernest Simmons Royal, Jr. of 1106 W. Arch Street, Tampa, who passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2010, will be held on Friday, April 23rd, 1:00 p.m., Aikens Funeral Home Chapel, 2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Glenn Jones, officiating. Interment will be in Florida National Cemetery. Ernest Simmons Royal, Jr. was the son of Dallas and Laura Grant of Lake Butler, Florida. He served in the United States Army, World War II veteran. He was resident of Tampa, Florida for 50 years. He leaves to cherish his memories, 4 nieces, Diane Grant of Lakeland, Laura Grant of Dallas, TX, Brenda Grant and Linda Jones both of Lakeland; 3 nephews, Leroy Grant, Jr., Austin, TX, Frederick Grant and Dexter Grant, both of Winter Haven; goddaughter, Julia Wright and husband, Van the son he never had; he also had a host of friends NA Group, which he enjoyed sharing his life with. The family and friends asked to meet on Friday for the service.