Ronald James Brown

Ronald James Brown, 76, of Lenoir, NC, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Saviour on Thursday, July 3, 2025 surrounded by his precious family at Amorem Hospice in Hudson after a valiant 11 year battle with cancer. Ronald was determined not to leave his family and grandchildren so he fought relentlessly until he took his last breath.

Ronald was born on May 2, 1949, in Caldwell County, North Carolina to the late Reverend Roy Brown and Vergie Brown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James “Jimmy” Brown and granddaughter, McKenze Whorley and brother, Jerry Brown.

Those left to forever cherish his memory include his loving wife of 56 years Judy Brown of the home. His daughter whom he loved dearly Amy Ford and husband Kelly Ford who he loved like a son. His precious granddaughters, Karen Williams (Cole), McKayla Vance and husband Travis, who he loved just like a grandson, granddaughter, Gabrielle “Gabby” Whorley, and great-grandchildren, Mason Williams, Raelynn Sanders and his newest addition Beau Vance.

Ronald dedicated his life to raising his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. He also had a special niece and nephew “Deana and Jim” as well as many other nieces and nephews who were special to him. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Brown (Kathy) and sisters, Evelyn Teague and Linda Gilreath.

There will forever be an empty space in our hearts that Ronald once held. But we rejoice in his new life and body in heaven free from the cancer that he fought for over 11 years. Ronald was a long distance truck driver for many years and then became a truck driver instructor for the Community College where he taught many to drive a truck. He loved doing this and took great pride in his talent of truck driving. He later managed a local concrete company in which he took great pride in his work and the projects that he helped build. He loved riding by in his truck and saying he poured the concrete for that. In his retirement he was a car transporter for Car Guys which he loved doing dearly and made many friends doing this. He truly enjoyed sitting on his front porch and he made everyone who came to his home feel like family.

He was of Baptist faith and in his earlier years he was a dedicated church member, Deacon, and Sunday School Teacher. He loved the Lord and would tell people that he was just an old sinner saved by Grace. We rejoice in knowing he is in Heaven and one day we will be reunited.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Ronald on July 20, 2025 at 4:00 pm in the chapel of Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home with Rev. David Brown officiating. Ronald will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Park Cemetery after a private committal service immediately following the public service.

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service, from 2:45 pm until 3:45 pm at Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home.

Pendry’s Lenoir funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Ronald James Brown.