David Royce Heller, affectionately known as “Pops,” of Abilene, Texas, passed away on October 11, 2026, in Abilene at the age of 84. At the family’s request, a private graveside service will be held with family.

Royce was born on March 20, 1942, in Dumas, Texas, to Berlin and Doris Heller. He and his brother, Charles Lynn Heller, grew up in a company house while their father worked on natural gas pipelines and their mother served others as a registered nurse.

Royce attended Phillips High School before continuing his education at Midwestern University, where he distinguished himself as a four-year basketball All-Star. He also helped establish the university’s Kappa Alpha chapter and served as its first president.

It was during his time at Midwestern that Royce laid eyes on a gorgeous blonde sparkplug named Tommie Bibb. The two fell in love and were married on August 8, 1964, at Saner Avenue Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas. Their marriage would become a beautiful 62-year partnership filled with family, friendship, laughter, and countless memories.

After accepting a position with GeoPhysical Engineering, Royce and Tommie moved to New Orleans to begin their married life and his new career. However, the demands of extended overseas assignments meant too much time away from his new bride. Royce decided it was time to return to Texas and pursue a new calling: coaching basketball and teaching math.

He began his teaching and coaching career at Munday High School in Munday, Texas, where their first son, Ryan, was born. The family made lifelong friends there before Royce continued his high school coaching career at Wichita Falls High School in Wichita Falls, Texas, where their second son, Kyle, was born.

In 1972, the family moved to Abilene, Texas, where Royce began another chapter of his career in the insurance business soon after. Although he changed professions, coaching never left his blood.

While raising Ryan and Kyle, Royce spent countless years coaching youth sports, including basketball, football, baseball, and just about anything else that gave him an opportunity to help young people. He believed in investing in others, and that commitment extended far beyond the playing field. He generously gave his time and energy to people of all ages through his church and throughout the Abilene community.

Royce also found a favorite golfing teammate in his wife, Tommie. The two spent years traveling countless miles across West Texas, playing in an endless amount of golf tournaments and enjoying the game together. Whether on the golf course, at church, or surrounded by family and friends, they built a life filled with shared experiences and lasting relationships.

As his own sons grew up, Royce eventually stepped away from coaching on the field, but he never stopped being a coach. He simply moved to the stands, where he proudly watched his three grandchildren, Hogan, Bo, and Allie, compete in their own sporting events. If you knew Pops, there is a good chance he had already proudly told you about his grandchildren. Just ask anyone in town.

Royce eventually retired from the insurance business at the age of 84, but retirement did not mean slowing down. He remained active, playing pickleball, traveling to watch his grandchildren compete, and even beginning a new adventure as a substitute teacher in Wylie ISD. The students quickly took to him and affectionately called him “Pops,” a name that suited him wherever he went.

Royce and Tommie were faithful members of Southern Hills Church of Christ, where they developed even more meaningful friendships and shared their lives with a loving church family.

Above all else, Royce loved his family, and his family loved him deeply, especially his wife. His 62 years of marriage to Tommie were a testament to a lifetime of love and commitment. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, a loving grandfather, a loyal friend, and a coach at heart. He leaves behind a legacy of service, encouragement, hard work, and love that will continue through the many lives he touched.

Royce is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Tommie Heller; his sons, Ryan Heller and wife Kelly Heller, and Kyle Heller and wife Megan Heller; his brother, Charles Lynn Heller, and wife Anna Heller; and his three cherished grandchildren, Hogan Heller, Bo Heller, and Allie Heller. He will also be remembered by countless friends, former students, athletes, colleagues, and members of the Abilene community whose lives he touched throughout the years.

The Heller family would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Edwards for the care and support given to Royce and Tommie throughout the years; to Hendrick Hospital and Hendrick Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and hospitality; to Robert Oglesby, who is officiating the service, and the staff and families of Southern Hills Church of Christ for their love and support; and to all of our family and friends for the many prayers, kind words, and expressions of encouragement during this difficult time. The family would also like to thank The Hamil Family Funeral Home for their help through this difficult time.

We know there may be people we have unintentionally left unnamed, but please know how grateful we are to everyone who touched Royce’s life and allowed him to touch yours. Our family will forever cherish the memories, friendships, and love that surrounded Pops throughout his remarkable life.

Thank you, and God bless.