Ronald L. "Lenny" Cahoon

Ronald L. "Lenny" Cahoon, 78, of South River / Merrimon, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Carteret Health Care.

A funeral service to honor Lenny’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, November 20th at Edwards Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. David C. Hansley. Interment will follow at Cannon Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Lenny was born on February 14, 1947, in New Bern, NC, to the late Paul Duffy Cahoon and Lottie Bell Cannon Cahoon. He proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard from 1964 until 1968. Lenny later dedicated his life to working as a commercial fisherman, a trade he approached with skill, resilience, and deep respect for the waters he knew so well.

Lenny helped establish the first Fire Department in South River / Merrimon becoming the first Fire Chief, he later worked on the Ferry and went on to own and operate Coastal Painting. A man who wore many hats he also worked at Cherry Point as well as Carolina Telephone and Telegraph Company.

A committed Mason and Shriner, Lenny achieved the rank of 32nd Degree Mason, reflecting his dedication to fellowship, service, and community. He was an avid sportsman; he loved being outdoors hunting and fishing. He spent time sewing nets for fishing, a skill that he took great pride in. Lenny had a soft spot for dogs, and his faithful companions were always close by.

Lenny will be remembered for his steady presence, his loyalty to those he loved, and the quiet strength he brought to every chapter of his life.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his wife of 21 years, Phyllis Carraway Cahoon of Merrimon; daughter, Rhonda Mason (Clarence) of South River; son, Josh L. Cahoon (Lauren) of South River; brother, Tony Cahoon (Barbara) of South River; sister-in-law, Betty Cahoon of South River; grandchildren, Nicholas Mason, Sabrina Dean, Maddison Mason, Joshua G. Cahoon, Austin Cahoon; and 5 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Lenny was preceded in death by his brother, Rodney Cahoon; and grandson, Jacob.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Carteret County Humane Society, 853 Hibbs Road, Newport, NC 28570 or a charity of one’s choice.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.