William Robert Royal

Willie passed away on Christmas morning in Sarasota, Florida from early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Born in El Paso to Muriel and Bill Royal, Willie loved the sea, fishing and surfing in the Gulf of Mexico, and playing the violin. Willie wrote and recorded music for twelve albums featuring the gypsy jazz duo “Willie and Lobo.” The duo got their start in San Miguel de Allende at Mama Mia’s. Their unique brand of world music took them on tour all over the world, including stops in Santa Barbara at the Soho. Surviving him are his wife Alison, of Sarasota; his son Pablo; and siblings Isabel McIver (Bruce) and Moo Moo Royal. His ashes will be scattered in the Gulf beyond the South Venice Jetties during a paddle out with his wife and friends later this year.