Obituary for Ronald Lee Whitmire
Surrounded by loved ones, MSgt Ronald Lee Whitmire, USAF Retired, 78 of Brevard, passed gently and peacefully into the arms of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, January 13, 2023.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Cad and Bessie Whitmire of Brevard and Ola Galloway of Brevard, parents Essie Galloway Whitmire of Brevard and Charles Whitmire of Brevard, his sisters Shirley Whitmire Arnette of Brevard, Diane Whitmire of Brevard and brother Gilbert Whitmire of Hendersonville and son Chris Whitmire of Brevard.
He is survived by his loving wife Martha Curto Whitmire of Brevard, sister Ina Whitmire of Brevard, daughter Tracy Jenkins (Kevin) of Charlotte and grandsons Brady and Andrew Jenkins of Charlotte, stepsons Rick Caldwell (Cristie) of Aiken, SC and Brad Caldwell (Katy) of Pickens, SC, granddaughters Ansley Caldwell of Greenville, SC, Ellie Caldwell of Aiken, SC and Lily Caldwell of Pickens, SC along with numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
A proud Brevard High School alum, Ronnie played on the Blue Devil team which won the first State Football Championship against Rockingham in 1960.
A highly decorated combat veteran of 28 years, Ronnie served in the Vietnam, Desert Storm and Desert Shield Wars. As an in-flight aircraft refueler, he flew in a KC-135 flying tanker refueling fighter jets in the air directly over combat zones. His citations include the rescue of a number of jets damaged by enemy fire subsequently dragging them to safety.
Family visitation is at 1:00pm and funeral service at 2:00pm at Morningside Baptist Church on Sunday, January 22, 2023. Interment follows at Whitmire Cemetery on Flat Creek Valley Road.
The family would like to express sincere love and appreciation to the members of Rosman Fire and Rescue and Brevard Fire Department for their unfailing and compassionate assistance with Ronnie during his illness. He not only considered them friends, but thought of them as family. The family would also like to express appreciation to his medical providers and compassionate caregivers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rosman Fire and Rescue and Brevard Fire Department.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Cad and Bessie Whitmire of Brevard and Ola Galloway of Brevard, parents Essie Galloway Whitmire of Brevard and Charles Whitmire of Brevard, his sisters Shirley Whitmire Arnette of Brevard, Diane Whitmire of Brevard and brother Gilbert Whitmire of Hendersonville and son Chris Whitmire of Brevard.
He is survived by his loving wife Martha Curto Whitmire of Brevard, sister Ina Whitmire of Brevard, daughter Tracy Jenkins (Kevin) of Charlotte and grandsons Brady and Andrew Jenkins of Charlotte, stepsons Rick Caldwell (Cristie) of Aiken, SC and Brad Caldwell (Katy) of Pickens, SC, granddaughters Ansley Caldwell of Greenville, SC, Ellie Caldwell of Aiken, SC and Lily Caldwell of Pickens, SC along with numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
A proud Brevard High School alum, Ronnie played on the Blue Devil team which won the first State Football Championship against Rockingham in 1960.
A highly decorated combat veteran of 28 years, Ronnie served in the Vietnam, Desert Storm and Desert Shield Wars. As an in-flight aircraft refueler, he flew in a KC-135 flying tanker refueling fighter jets in the air directly over combat zones. His citations include the rescue of a number of jets damaged by enemy fire subsequently dragging them to safety.
Family visitation is at 1:00pm and funeral service at 2:00pm at Morningside Baptist Church on Sunday, January 22, 2023. Interment follows at Whitmire Cemetery on Flat Creek Valley Road.
The family would like to express sincere love and appreciation to the members of Rosman Fire and Rescue and Brevard Fire Department for their unfailing and compassionate assistance with Ronnie during his illness. He not only considered them friends, but thought of them as family. The family would also like to express appreciation to his medical providers and compassionate caregivers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rosman Fire and Rescue and Brevard Fire Department.