Ronnie Odell Joyce

Ronald Odell Joyce, age 65, was received into his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 26, 2017.

Ronnie was born on March 18, 1952 in Siler City, NC to the late Odell and Gertha Lane Joyce.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 36 years, Shelly Shaner Joyce; his daughters, Chloe and Savannah; son-in-law Brooks Childress; and his very special side-kick and grandson, Brody. He is also survived by one brother, Rodger Joyce (Jill) of Greensboro and two sisters Sylvia Joyce Craven of Sumter, SC and Sandy Joyce Merritt (Robert) of Elizabethtown, NC. Ronnie has a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends who grieve his absence.  In addition to his parents, Ronnie is predeceased by one brother Jerry Mack Joyce.

Ronnie was a graduate of Chatham Central High School, Appalachian State University and NC A&T. He served Chatham County Schools for 31 years as a teacher and administrator and most recently served for nine years for Chatham Charter School as Headmaster.

Ronnie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He enjoyed the mountains, beach, serving his community and hiking with his girls. The last four years he spent loving life with his grandson, Brody. He was a member of Bonlee Baptist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir for many years. His lifelong love of music is most noted by his involvement in writing, singing and recording bluegrass music.

Those who spent any time around Ronnie enjoyed his sharp wit, ready smile and genuine concern for others. Those who worked with Ronnie enjoyed a leader who made each of his colleagues feel important and needed. He will be greatly missed by many.

The family will receive friends Thursday, September 28, 2017 from 6PM to 8PM at Donaldson Funeral Home & Cremation in Pittsboro, NC. A Celebration of Life for Ronnie will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 3PM in the Polly O. Yow Auditorium at Chatham Central High School.  

In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Ronnie to Lillie’s Fund in ℅ Chatham Animal Rescue and Education at PO Box 610 Pittsboro, NC 27312 or UNC Hospice at P.O. Box 1077, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Arrangements by Donaldson Funeral Home & Cremation

Donaldson Funeral Home & Cremation is honored to serve the Joyce family.  

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