Codie Royal

Family, Career & the Great Outdoors

Born in Elkin and raised in Boonville, Codie Royal has always called North Carolina home. From a young age, Codie also spent much of his time on his family’s farm in Ronda. After graduating from Surry Community College with a High School Equivalency diploma in April 2019, Codie got a head start on his career at Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, where he works as a saw operator.

The Louisiana-Pacific facility in Wilkes County manufactures and finishes hardboard siding for houses. Codie’s job is to run the shake machine, which contributes to one of Louisiana-Pacific’s best-selling products. His team of about six people runs anywhere from 20 to 25 units per night to feed the company’s product pipeline.

“Since I applied here and got the job, it’s been a great opportunity – good money and plenty of opportunities for learning and gaining experience,” he said. “It’s a whole different world since graduating. I feel like I’m making a better life for myself and my family.”

From a young age, Codie had always dreamed of being a firefighter. As a young adult, he pursued firefighting classes while in school and has now served as a volunteer firefighter for six years.

A family man, Codie and his fiancé have two children. “I do spend much of my time working, but when I’m not at work, I love spending time with them,” he said.

Codie is also an avid outdoorsman, which he credits to his “Ol’ Man,” his grandfather. Codie has been deer hunting and fishing since he was five years old on his family farm. Spring is the busiest time of year for Codie and his family, as they prepare for the upcoming hunting season.

“I’m not much on big towns – I prefer being out in the woods,” Codie explained of his outdoor lifestyle. “There’s not a lot of traffic. I live off the road and can raise my kids in the country, learning about wildlife and not being tied to cell phones. I couldn’t see myself living anywhere else.”

Codie’s guiding principle in life is this: “It doesn’t matter where you come from or who you are; you can always make a better life for yourself and your family.”

“It’s pretty amazing to be my age and have what I’ve got,” Codie continued. “I’m 18 years old with my own family, house and land. I got here because of my family, a lot of hard work, and a strong work ethic. I was raised well. All the credit goes to my grandpa and grandma, who also live in this area. Most of my family lives near me, so I’m grateful that I get to spend a lot of time around them.”