Ronald Leon Starnes

He was born on June 22, 1934, to the late Frank and Bertha Wood Starnes.

Ronnie attended Odell High School and later worked as a dispatcher in the trucking industry. Ronnie was one who never met a stranger. He couldn’t walk into a restaurant without walking out with a new friend. Life was a party. He loved to play with children and they loved him. His last several healthy years were spent with his dog, Missy, at his side. They were the best of friends. He played tennis and golf, sang in the shower, laughed often and danced whenever he could find a willing partner. He thought that every woman should feel beautiful and did his part to make them feel that way.

Ronnie was active in the Mint Hill Community where he lived for more than 50 years. He was a member of the Jaycees, Mint Hill Volunteer Fire Dept, and the local chapter of the Masons and Shriners.

His moral compass pointed true north. He helped his friends and neighbors when they needed it, including mowing the grass of several of them, as well as those who were widows.

Regarding his family, Ronnie worshiped his wife, June. All during their marriage, there was never an unkind word or raised voice. He was always patient and understanding, especially during her fight with Alzheimer’s.

Ronnie would never tell a lie, but he told lots of funny stories that weren’t necessarily completely true.

Along with his parents, Ronnie is preceded in death by his wife, June McManus Starnes; grandson, James Stewart; and siblings, Frank Starnes, Jr. and Thomas Starnes. He is survived by his daughters, Kathy Setaro (Edward) and Ronnie Grindstaff (Jim); grandchildren, Stephanie Levy and Kasandra Brown; great-grandchildren, Joseph Levy, Josh Levy, Noah Levy, Trey Stewart, Greyson Stewart, Braeden Stewart, Katie Brown, and Marissa Brown; and siblings, Shirley Miller and Charles Starnes.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026, from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm at McEwen Mint Hill Service Chapel, located at 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd., Mint Hill, North Carolina. A funeral service to celebrate Ronnie’s life will be held after the visitation at 1:15 pm with burial then following the service at Sunset Memory Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com for the Starnes family.

McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel is honored to serve the family of Ronald L. Starnes.