VA HR114

Frank Spencer Royal, Sr., M.D., a Lynchburg native, died on February 2, 2026; he earned his bachelor's degree from Virginia Union University and his medical degree from Meharry Medical College

Served as board chair and president of the National Medical Association, the largest and oldest organization representing Black health care professionals in the United States

Chaired the Meharry Medical College Board of Trustees for 30 years, leading a $127.5 million campaign to strengthen infrastructure and academic programs

Served three decades as chair of the Virginia Union University Board of Trustees and established the Pamela and Frank S. Royal, Sr., Endowed Scholarship and the Royal Society at Meharry Medical College

Held corporate director positions at Best Products, Chesapeake Corporation, Smithfield Foods, Dominion Energy, HCA Healthcare, SunTrust Banks, and CSX Corporation