The Royal family relocated to Opa-Locka, FL in 1946, for a better life. "Sonny" as he was affectionately called by all who loved him, followed his family the next year. They lived in a small community at the east end of Ali Baba Avenue known as the "Bottom" back in the day. Sonny was a young teen starting school at Dorsey Jr. Sr. High School, where he learned the art of auto mechanics along with his academics. Shortly after graduation in 1954 he was drafted into the United States Army. After his discharge he returned to his hometown Opa-Locka where he has lived for 75 years.

He began his work experience at the City of Miami Shores, working in the Motor Pool as a top-notch mechanic. He was there for over 25 years. After retirement he continued to have the desire to want to work, so he acquired a job at the Anheuser Bush company as a diesel mechanic repairing trucks.

Retiring again in 1972, the love for mechanics was his livelihood. Just about everyone in Opa-Locka knew the Royals. Sonny was the neighborhood mechanic, so was his father who initially taught his son's the kraft. Sonny's love for working on cars kept him busy. Everyone that knew him was very fond of him. He was easy going and had a quite demeanor .