Ronald Wakefield

Gordon

Ronald Wakefield Gordon, born on September 10, 1931 went home to be with Jesus on November 11th, 2026. He grew up in the picturesque town of Pinnacle, North Carolina. He lived a life rich with experience, love, and dedication to family, community and country. He is the cherished son of the late Ira Cebron and Mary Elizabeth Owens Gordon, who instilled in him the values of hard work and compassion.

Ronald's life is a testament to the power of family. He was blessed to share his journey with his beloved wife, Annie Ruth, whom he married on April 4, 1987. Together, they built a home filled with warmth and love. Annie Ruth has been a steadfast partner, sharing over 40 years in every joy and challenge that life had to offer.

A proud alumnus of Pinnacle High School, Ronald carried forward the lessons he learned from there into a life of service and dedication. Ronald's family were tobacco farmers and he helped his Dad until he was drafted into the US Army. He entered the Army at age 23 and served 2 years protecting our country and freedom. Ronald achieved the rank of Specialist with Military Occupation Specialty as a Engineer Parts Specialist. After the Army, Ronald was hired as a Maintenance Tech at the University of Wake Forest to maintain the boilers for heat, hot water, and steam. He soon worked his way up to become the Maintenance supervisor. His career path and community involvement and dedication and commitment to the Armed Forces have always been achieved by his unwavering integrity and the desire to make the world a better place.

Ronald was preceded in life's journey by his dear parents, Ira Cebron and Mary Elizabeth Owens Gordon, and his beloved sisters, Reba and Carl Grogan and Ina and Mack Smith and brother in-law Flake Adkins. His precious wife Annie Ruth Gordon also passed only a few weeks ago. Their memories were the source of strength and inspiration for him throughout his life.

Papa Ronald is survived by one sister Clara Adkins, his devoted children, Kathy Gammons and (Gino), Mike and Vallori McHone, Jerry McHone and (Darlene), and Leigh Ann and Terry Wall, each of whom carries forward his legacy of kindness and generosity. His role as a father has been one of his greatest joys, and his love for his family was priceless.

Papa Ronald was also a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren Elena (Shelly) and Phuc Huynh, Kristina McHone, Annabella McHone, Stephanie Thomas and (Cliff), Adam and Selena McHone, Tyler and Dustin Wall, and a great-grandfather to twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. His presence in their lives is a testament to the love that binds their family together across generations.

Papa Ronald's life has been marked by his dedication to his loved ones and his community. His enduring spirit and gentle humor have touched the hearts of all who know him. Those who have had the privilege of sharing in his journey have been enriched by his wisdom and kindness.

In honor of Papa Ronald's lifelong commitment to helping others, the family kindly suggests that donations be made to Mountain Valley Hospice Home-Joan and Howard Woltz facility in Dobson, NC as a tribute to the exceptional care and comfort they provided to both Papa Ronald and Mama Ruth.

Papa Ronald’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His enduring legacy of love, strength and family will be cherished for generations to come.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mt. Airy with service conducted by Rev. Doug Bennett. Burial will follow at Brims Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The Family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon from 12:00 PM until the time for the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Ronald Wakefield Gordon welcome donations to: Mountain Valley Hospice Home-Joan and Howard Woltz facility-Dobson, NC, 1427 Edgewood Drive, Suite 101, Mount Airy, NC 27030