Julie Gilstrap Royal
10/05/1952 - 02/20/2023
Julie Royal (nee Gilstrap) of Sarasota, Florida passed away peacefully on Monday February 20, 2023, following a brief illness. Born in Tacoma, Washington on October 5, 1952, her light always shone brightly. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and many friends with whom she celebrated life. She is survived by sisters Cynthia Pierzala of Rush, Kentucky and Nancy Pritts and husband Gary of Huntsville, Alabama, and brothers Tommy Gilstrap, of Jacksonville, Florida, and Chris Gilstrap of Arlington, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Mabel Gilstrap and brother Jeff Gilstrap of Huntsville, Alabama. Julie was previously married to Michael Royal of Sarasota, Florida.
Julie began her real estate career in 1984 and was a founding partner of SunCoast Real Estate, Inc. in 1998 located on Anna Maria Island. She served as past President of Women’s Council of Realtors, Manatee County Chapter, as Director of the Manatee County Board of Realtors, and was a founding member of the Sarasota Bradenton chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers. Julie operated the Sarasota nonprofit Royal Pet Rescue for over two decades and was tirelessly committed to animal rescue.. Everyone who knew her will dearly miss her smile, warmth, loving presence, and zest for life.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Satchel’s Last Resort in Sarasota or another animal rescue organization of your choice in Julie’s memory.