William Ronnie Hales, Sr., 84, of Halifax, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on October 17, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Born on October 20, 1940 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Ronnie was the son of Nellie Taylor Strickland and the stepson of W. Irving Strickland.

Ronnie lived a life marked by faith, family, hard work, and service to his community. He was a longtime, dedicated, and active member of Community Center Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon, Sunday School superintendent, song leader, and choir member. His strong faith and spirit touched countless lives within his church family and beyond.

A proud 1959 graduate of Aurelian Springs High School, Ronnie later attended East Carolina College. He built a respected career as a salesman for Dillion Supply Company, where his honesty, work ethic, and genuine nature earned him many loyal customers and friends.

Ronnie was also deeply involved in the agricultural community. He was a valued member of both the Halifax County Cattlemen's Association and the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association and he served on the Board of Trustees for Halifax Academy, where he supported local education and youth development.

Above all else, Ronnie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He shared 64 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Eleanor Jones Hales, who stood faithfully by his side through every season of life. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Denise Hales, who passed away in 2008 and his sister, Wanda Hardee in 2021. He is survived by his sons, William Ronnie Hales, Jr. and wife, Colleen, and Mitchell Byron Hales; as well as two cherished grandchildren, Helene McPhail and Liam Hales, children of Ronnie, Jr. and Colleen.

Ronnie's passions reflected his roots—he loved tending to his cattle, spending time outdoors, and taking pride in a good day's work. He was a man of unwavering faith in God, a faith he shared openly and lived out daily. His kindness, humility, and quiet strength left a lasting example for his family, his church, and his community.

A visitation and memorial service will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025 at Community Center Baptist Church in Halifax, NC. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by the service at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Crestview Memorial Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Community Center Baptist Church or to Easter Seals UCP North Carolina in Ronnie's memory.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Liberty Hospice Team and Hands & Heart for helping and for the gentle care, kindness and comfort they provided to Ronnie and his loved ones at the end of his life.

Ronnie Hales lived his life with grace, faith, and love — and his legacy will continue to shine through the lives he touched.