Royal Oaks Lifecare Community started as a dream of Dr. J. Davis Illingworth and Mr. Roe Walker. The Illingworth family was visiting the Walker family when Roe suggested that they start a retirement community in Sun City.

Mr. Walker formed a committee and began the initial planning and creation of the 501(c)(3) not for profit corporation in the spring of 1981. The members of the committee raised a total of $1,900 by each contributing $100. However, much more funding was needed and Dr. Illingworth was able to use his Pastoral relationship with a local church to gather over 200 people at subsequent meetings. As a result of these meetings, over 800 families loaned the corporation $1,200,000. Shortly thereafter, long term financing was approved in the winter of 1982 for $36,445,000 and the personal loans were repaid.

The committee then searched for and acquired a parcel of 30.29 acres from the Del Webb Corporation for $1,500,000. Additional contiguous property of 1.47 acres and a 20 foot bordering road bed was also acquired.

In the winter of 1983, Royal Oaks opened its doors and residents moved in to the first 8 units. Merely 5 months later, 305 units were occupied. By the end of 1984, occupancy had reached 100%. Royal Oaks continues to be at 100% occupancy today.

Through the years, Royal Oaks has made improvements, built new structures, acquired additional land and now sits on 36 acres with 373 residential units, 59 assisted living apartments, and a 122 bed skilled nursing facility. Today, Royal Oaks is home to over 600 residents and maintains a strong and stable financial standing. Royal Oaks has a net worth of over $25 million and annual operating revenue exceeds expenses by over $1 million per year.