Ronnie began his career at the Charlotte Police Department in 1955 as a civilian records clerk and rose through the ranks, becoming the Chief of the department in 1991, where he served until his retirement in January, 1994. He was proud to serve Charlotte as a police officer and through many other civic and government organizations. Most notably, the Governor’s Crime Commission (chairman, 2 yrs.), Citizens’ Patrol Accountability Committee, Women’s Commission and Big Brothers. He was a Life Member of the Queen City Optimist Club and held many offices, including Club President and District Lieutenant Governor. In 1992, Ronnie was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the most prestigious awards presented by the governor in recognition for extraordinary service to the state of North Carolina. He attended numerous schools for advanced law enforcement training, including the Southern Police Institute in Louisville, KY. He was an active member of Blair Rd. United Methodist Church, where he faithfully served in many capacities over the years and was a beloved teacher of the Pairs and Spares class.
Ronnie lived a life of humility, integrity and joy, providing an example of how to live to all who knew him. He was predeceased by a sister, Janet Cowan. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 58 years, Ruth Williams Stone, his children Randy Stone (Lisa), Rita Mabes (Tim), Robyn Rogers (Charlie) and Rachel Burke (Joe); his grandchildren, Jeremy Stone, Timothy, Christine and Alex Mabes, Joshua and Abygail Wilson, Olivia Rogers, Lucien and Daria Burke; sister, Verona Branch, and several step-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of 6A at CMC Main and Levine Dickson Hospice House at Southminster for their compassionate care during Ronnie’s final days.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 4, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at McEwen Mint Hill Chapel 7428 Matthews Mint Hill Rd Charlotte, NC 28227. A celebration of life service will be at 11:00am on Monday, August 5, 2013 at Blair Road United Methodist Church 9135 Blair Road Mint Hill, NC 28227.
Memorials may be made to Blair Road Church, 9135 Blair Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227 or Queen City Optimist Club, 621 Wingrave Dr. Charlotte, NC 28270. Please visit Ronnie’s online memorial at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com
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