Ron Edward Durrance

Ron Durrance of Cordova, TN died in his home on Friday June 12, 2015. He was 57 years old. He is survived by his sister, Beth Durrance of Charlotte, NC and numerous extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father Sam Durrance and his mother, Dorothy Durrance of Gastonia, NC.

Ron was born on January 29, 1958 in Charlotte, NC. He graduated from Belmont Abbey College with a degree in Business in 1981. After a few years in business Ron joined the Navy, beginning as a Naval Flight Officer and later as a pilot of the EA-6B Prowler aircraft. He served in the first Gulf war launching and retrieving from the decks of the USS Midway, and later from the USS George Washington. He ended his naval career as a flight instructor and reservist in Meridian, MS. After serving in the Navy he parlayed his flight experience into a job with FedEx, flying the B727 aircraft.

Ron’s love for speed was evident not only in his choice of career but also in his hobbies. He was an avid motorcycle racer and rider and sport and muscle car owner and enthusiast. Over the years he bought and sold more cars than could be listed here and enjoyed nothing more than flying or driving anything at “Mach 2 with his hair on fire!”. He bought a ski boat in 2013 and spent that and the next summer captaining friends and family on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, GA and Lake Watauga in Butler, TN. Ron was also an accomplished musician, studying violin and viola and playing in several orchestras and state competitions. He enjoyed attending the symphony and listening to music of various genres.

Ron was a faithful member of the Germantown Church of Christ in Germantown TN and continued to worship there until he could no longer leave his house.

Though very shy and introspective Ron could be quite gregarious and passionate when discussing subjects he loved. His dry wit sometimes caught everyone off-guard and made for some hilarious moments, sometimes at his own expense. For those in need, whether known to him personally or indirectly, Ron was generous with both his time and financial resources but usually kept his gifts of love and compassion for others hidden from public view to avoid being in the spotlight himself. Many who read this can attest to it firsthand as they have been the beneficiaries of that generosity.

Ron died at home in Cordova, Tennessee after a 9 year battle with melanoma. He is remembered by those who knew him best as one who never complained about his illness or asked “Why me?”. He simply accepted the hand life dealt him and fought valiantly to the very end. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him, and whose spirits were lifted by his courageous fight. Most of all, he will be missed by his little sister, for whom he will always be “my big brother”.