A father, grandfather, brother, son, friend -- AND LEGEND -- was taken from us on Saturday, August 15. Ricardo "Ric" Royal was an innovator, radio talk show host, rapper, producer, songwriter and overall creative genius. He was 53 years old. The impacts of his love, passion and talent were so far-reaching that his legacy will continue to live on in those of us lucky enough to have known him. Ric is survived by his six children (ages 11 – 27), three of whom are in college.

Now, his family and kids need help bringing Ric home. Ric will be laid to rest next to his mother, Joan, in his hometown in New Jersey. Money is needed to transport Ric from Houston to New Jersey, pay for burial services and pay for transportation for his kids and grandchild. A memorial service will also be held in the Houston area for family and friends who can't make it to New Jersey.

ANY AMOUNT you can give is SO GREATLY APPRECIATED to give a great man and a great life the homecoming he truly deserves. Arrangements are being made by his dad (Randall Royal), his eldest child (“Lil” Rick), and his siblings (brothers Carlos, Lamar, and Omar and sisters Wendy and Simone). All contributions will go towards funeral costs, memorial services and transportation for the children.

He may be gone from our sights, but never from our hearts. Thanks and much love to everyone.