10/11/2026
Ronald Leroy Williams
Ronald, “Ronnie” Leroy Williams, 72, of Elm City passed away on October 9, 2026.
Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Joyner’s Funeral Home in Wilson. The Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45, with the service beginning at 11a.m. The committal will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Wilson.
Ronnie was born July 29, 1954, to the late Robert LeRoy Williams and Kathryn Geraldine Sperl. A native of Missouri, Ronnie graduated from Shawnee Mission District West High School in Kansas, May of 1973. After graduation, Ronald enlisted in Army. Following an Honorable Discharge, he relocated to Wilson, NC to be close to his father. While in Wilson, he helped his father and stepmother operate Kenwood Motel on 301. His move to Wilson later introduced him to Brenda Vick whom he married on April 26, 1982. Together they had two children and eventually settled in Elm City. Ronnie was known for his commitment to the Town of Elm City, expressing his love for animals by volunteering time weekly at For the Love of Dogs, local business operations, a strong career in the trucking industry, time served as Commander of American Legion Post 13, and the love and support he poured into his family and dearest friends.
Ronnie began his trucking career in the coal mines of Virgina and later drove for trucking industries throughout Wilson. His long-haul career began with Glass Container and Barnes Trucking. He later took a job for Fredrickson and then Billings Freight Systems where he joined Teamsters Local 391. He served as an elected Union Steward for approximately 17 years. His trucking career ended in 2006 as a driver for UPS, Raleigh.
In 1995, Ronnie purchased Caroll’s Grill in Wilson, which Brenda, his daughter, and his son operated for several years. During this time, Ronnie pored countless hours and donations into fund raisers for sick and disabled children.
In 2004, Ronnie became commissioner elect for the Town of Elm City. He successfully carried that role until 2009. During his time in office, he purchased a building in downtown Elm City and opened Elm City Coin Laundry in efforts to add to the community.
Ronnie enjoyed fishing, beach vacations, and muscle cars. He made sure to take time yearly for family vacations to Florida and Missouri to see his parents.
Ronnie is survived by his former wife, Brenda Williams of Elm City; daughter, Nora Langley and husband Daniel Langley of Walstonburg; son, Ronald Williams of Middlesex; grandchildren, Heaven Lewin, Jaykob Lewin, Jaydin Lewin, Adriana Cruz-Torres, and Sophia Langley; nieces, Shelly King and husband Terry of Tennessee, Tabitha Williams of Arizona, Cindy Thomas and husband Wes of Farmville ; nephews, Terry Butts of Tennessee, Robert Williams Jr. and wife Jamie of Florida, Christoper Willliams of Arizona, Johnathan Vick and wife Natasha of Monroe, Thomas Vick of Leggett; brother in law, John Vick of Lake Royale; great nieces and nephews, Rachel Roberts, Ashlee King, Urijah Williams, Brantley Williams, and Kayla Butts; second great niece, Hailee Holt; second great nephews, Ryan Roberts, and Logan Roberts, and special aunt, Doris Ward of Lucama.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Kathryn Sperl and Ronald Williams; brother, Robert Rairdon Williams; sister, Judith Ann Watts.
Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Wilson County Shrine Club. 3102 Forest Hills Rd SW, Wilson NC 27893 in Ronnie’s name.
Ronnie played a huge role in many lives. Seriousness or fun, he made the best of whatever came his way. If Ronnie was in your corner, you were in good hands. He will be greatly missed.
Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.
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