Ronald Dee Burns

Ronald D. Burns, age 76, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose warmth, humor, and devotion to his family will be deeply missed.

Ron was born in Toledo, Ohio, and spent his formative years in Maumee, Ohio, and attended Maumee High School. His love of music led him to form the band Ronnie Dee and the Destinations. After high school, he attended Paul Smith’s College in the Adirondacks, where he studied forestry and served as class president. After graduation, he returned to his hometown of Maumee and married his high school sweetheart, Tara Gannon Burns, in 1972.

Ron began his career with the City of Maumee in the Public Works Department before making the jump into sales, following in his father’s footsteps. He joined Dana Corporation, and in 1979 moved with his wife and three children to Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2005, he began working for Cummins Allison, where he had the special opportunity to work alongside his son Patrick, just as he had once worked alongside his own father. He retired in 2021.

Ron was a road warrior for work, traveling most weeks, but he somehow always made it home to watch his children play baseball, soccer, softball and volleyball. He spent weekends riding his beloved Harley-Davidson with his daughter Meghan on a quest for the best hot dogs in North Carolina. He also loved going to gun and knife shows with his youngest daughter, Erin, where they would often walk away with a new knife in hand. More than anything, Ron cherished time spent with his granddaughter, Scarlet Ava, and watching her grow up.

Ron is survived by his wife, Tara Gannon Burns; his son, Patrick (Kacie) Burns; his daughter, Meghan (Peter) Wright; his granddaughter, Scarlet Ava Wright; his sister, Teri (Steve) Shehan; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Namoi Burns; his brother, Tom Burns; and his daughter, Erin Gannon Burns.

Ron’s memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

At Ron’s request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to his alma mater, Paul Smith’s College, here: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=af8f0bfc-cedc-42c7-abb8-c06bcd33ac73&envid=p-kyoPFiRw6kmPellMX-Q2CA&zone=usa