Mr. Hoover M. Royals, Sr. Retires as Agricultural Extension Agent
Anson Record issue of Tuesday July 9, 1985 Page 1
Mr. Hoover M. Royals, Sr. Retires as Agricultural Extension Agent
Mr. Hoover McGy Royals, Sr. who is Anson County Extension Services Chairman decided to retire on July 1, 1985 after 32 years of federal service. His career began in Edgecombe County at Tarboro NC where he was responsible for providing leadership for 4-H whereas 28 clubs & 52 adult leaders centered in the county schools was involved in the program. Mr. Royals was instrumental in establishing poultry & dairy calf chains & coaching a diary judging team that won top honors.
After being transferred to Johnston County, Mr. Royals continued with 4-H Club work & assumed additional responsibilities with livestock. His 4-H program progressed as the number of clubs increased from 25 to 39 in number. Many of these youth won county, district & state honors.
Anson County is the scene of his more recent tenure of service. Mr. Royals arrived in Anson County in 1963. His ideas resulted in the cooperation & the organization of an area pig show & sale. Farmers did a great job in management & breeding their livestock & feeder pigs. Two of the first to begin a project were Mr. & Mrs. Robert Howell of Ansonville, who exhibited top quality pigs at various shows & sales.
Mr. Lester Ledbetter of the Burnsville Community & Mr. Woodrow Ashcraft took advantage of an FmHa program that required a promissory note in order to obtain funds for swine production. Mr. Ledbetter often stated that it was difficult to believe that his new project enabled him to sell his pigs for $50 to $60 per head, instead of $10 per head as before.
These & other instances of successful activities provide Mr. Royals with great satisfaction that the Extension Service has afforded great things for the farmers in the past & that there is a future in following recommended practices provided through the Extension Service.
Past experiences with the youth of Anson County afford Mr. Royals with a pleasant source of reflection. Mr. Algie Gatewood, who is currently the “Dean of Students” at Anson Technical School, was a former 4-H member, who performed in many winning demonstrations.
Another 4-H Club member, James Smith, relates that he first attended 4-H Camp when Mr. Royals convinced his parents that 4-H Camp was a wonderful opportunity for further development of himself & his brother Richard.
There are many other instances of Mr. Royal’s contributions to the development of Anson County youth. Ms. Catherine Dumas Sturdivant is now a 4-H leader & extension council member & is employed by Anson County Health Department.
As before, community involvement will be part of his life. Mr. Royals has stated that since Anson County has been a great place to live, work & grow, he intends to be a contributor to whatever facet, may be his to pursue.
Steve Bailey's notes - Mr. Hoover M Royals, Sr., was born on March 26, 1929 & died on July 30, 2000 at 71 years old.
This photo of Mr. Hoover M. Royals, Sr. is from the 1956 Yearbook of A&T College at Greensboro NC.
Posted Aug 14, 2025, 12:28 AM UTC