Thomas Sampson Royster, Jr., M.D., 89, of John's Island died August 4th at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina and University of Pennsylvania Medical School, he received his surgical training at the Roosevelt Hospital in New York City.

He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps.

He practiced general surgery in Henderson, NC, and following a fellowship under Dr. Michael DeBakey in Houston, returned to Roosevelt where he spent the rest of his medical career.

His happiest years in practice were at the Roosevelt where later he was a Trustee. He also served as an Honorary Trustee of the St. Luke's- Roosevelt Hospital Board.

After retiring to Vero Beach, golf was a large part of his life, and he was an excellent golfer.

He was the beloved husband of Caroline (Linn) Henry Royster, father of Thomas S. III, Elspeth R. Holch, John Snowden and Stephen Brooke, and also is survived by his sister, Helen R. Peck, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

There will be a family graveside service at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to Vero Beach VNA Hospice, 111 36th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.