Ronald Lee Holcombe

Ronald Lee Holcombe, 83, of Gloucester, NC died on November 8, 2023, at his home with his devoted wife by his side.

Born December 29, 1939, in Sayre, PA to the late Guy and Marian Holcombe where he grew up with his siblings, Lillian, Lana and Randy. He was a 1957 graduate of Towanda High School, later attended Mansfield College, served in the Peace Corps, and went on to the US Navy where he served for 4 years. He served in the US Army for 13 years, including two tours of Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and rose to the rank of Major by the time he was honorably discharged in 1975. His sacrifice and dedication to defending our freedoms will forever be remembered and appreciated. A lifetime member of VFW Post 6724 in Paw Creek, NC, Ron remained committed to service even after his military career.

During his military service, he married Deanna Zitelli in 1968. He took over his father’s Towanda, PA-based Nationwide Insurance Agency and was promoted to District Manager moving his family to Clark Summit, PA where he worked for four years before being transferred to Asheville, NC in 1983. He worked for Nationwide for approximately 15 years, highly successful years winning multiple sales awards. In 1976, he met Ed Means through Nationwide, they remained close friends for 47 years.

After his career with Nationwide, he went on to become a self-employed contractor, Ron's craftsmanship was unmatched. He had the remarkable ability to envision and build houses, creating beautiful homes that stood as a testament to his skill and dedication. His meticulous attention to detail was exemplified through his commitment to excellence in all that he pursued.

He married his second wife, Patricia Henninger Chadwick in December of 2002 and became a resident of Gloucester, NC. She thought of him as her gift in life, they shared 21 wonderful years of marriage.

Ron is best remembered through music which remained a passion of his from his days growing up as a member of his family’s band in PA, to playing multiple instruments, such as the trumpet, guitar, and piano. He was in the All-County Chorus at Mansfield College, and his beautiful tenor voice has been heard in Barbershop Quartets, Carteret Choral, and Church Choirs throughout the years. Most recently he sang in a quartet with his wife on Sundays at Island Road Baptist Church where they have been faithful members for years. 

Ron loved to share his gifts with the residents of Snug Harbor Nursing Home where he would often cook them a delicious breakfast spread and then have sing-a-longs and name that tune. Ron certainly brought smiles to their faces and warmth to their hearts. Ron’s cooking and baking skills were amazing. He was well known for his delicious Easter bread, with vibrant colors, which became a cherished tradition.

Ron was a doer who led a busy life, but he never neglected the opportunity to volunteer. He spent countless hours with the Guardian ad Litem throughout Eastern North Carolina where he was a child advocate. He was well known for his giving nature and easygoing kindness. While he could be stern at times, his love for others was evident in every aspect of his life. Even in his role as caregiver for his mother-in-law, he was a blessing in all he did.

His quick wit is what many people will remember. He had a great sense of humor. He was a man of many talents who lived a full life in which his longtime friends and family will spend time remembering—sharing stories and remembering “Ronnie” as those who knew him in his youth called him.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Holcombe of Gloucester; daughters, Lisa Hampsey of Fayetteville, NC and Leslie Craig of Winston-Salem, NC; stepdaughters, Cheryl Chadwick Schrum (Louie) of Pine Knoll Shores, NC, and Heather Chadwick Styron of Gloucester, NC; grandchildren, Christina Hampsey, Nick Hampsey, Kayla Craig, Brad Craig, Brooke Craig, Cody Allen and Breanna Allen; as well as 5 great-grandchildren; siblings, Lillian Martin, Lana Desloges and Randy Holcombe; nephews, Greg Martin (Laura) and Brian Martin; and his niece, Chantal Hayes (Graham).

A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at 12 p.m., Tuesday, November 28^th at Coastal Carolina Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, NC, officiated by Pastor Charles Tyler. There will also be a musical tribute in the Spring of 2024, those details will be shared once finalized.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Island Road Baptist Church Missionary Fund, 836 Harkers Island Rd, Beaufort, NC 28516 or Samaritan Colony, Inc. 136 Samaritan Drive, Rockingham, NC 28379.  

The family would like to thank the VA and their staff for the special care they provided for Mr. Ron.

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

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