Ronald Colbert Obituary in Madison at Perry-Spencer Madison

Obituary For Ronald Colbert

Ronald Colbert, 71 passed Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Public viewing will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. ~ 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Perry Spencer Funeral Home, Eden, NC. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. ~ 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 14, 2023 at St. John United Methodist Church, Eden, N.C. with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Ridge-View Cemetery, Eden, NC.

God blessed His world and the union of the late John L. Colbert and Ella Mae Gibson (Colbert-Parker) with the arrival of Ronald Colbert on September 21, 1951.

On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, Ronald walked into the loving and waiting arms of the Lord he loved and served with all his heart.

“Ron/Ronnie” as he was affectionately known by family and friends, was born in Detroit, Michigan, as the eldest of the two Colbert children.

Ron matriculated through the Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Charles F. Kettering Sr. High School in 1969. He entered the United States Army Armed Forces in 1971, where he served as a paratrooper; honorably discharged in 1977 with the rank of Specialist. He continued his educational studies at Henry Ford Community College and Wayne State University, in the county of Wayne, Detroit, Michigan. Ron engaged in multiple entrepreneurial ventures, beginning with a billiards hall and boxing facility in Detroit MI, prior to relocating to North Carolina, where his business savvy continued with a record store in downtown Eden, NC. As a native of the Motor City, the automotive capitol of the world, Ron embodied his knowledge of cars and shared it where he was employed majority of his career in the automotive industry as an Auto Sales Representative at Smith-Stokes Inc, Reidsville, NC. During the Great Recession of 2008-2009, Ron became a certified North Carolina driving instructor for Rockingham County Consolidated Schools, as well as a Train Car Host for Amtrak. As we can clearly see, his mechanical mind and forward thinking manifested in every aspect of his influential endeavors and the unapologetic life that he so truly lived.

In life, one can only hope to find their soulmate, which is exactly what Ron did when he met his Margaret at a party on the military base of Fort Bragg located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Ron married the love of his life, Margaret Broadnax-Colbert. They were blessed with one daughter, Tammara, who was the apple of his eye. He was a loving husband, devoted father not only to his child, but his God given children and grandchildren.

Ron was a lover of people and enjoyed life to the fullest. He had an infectious personality and never met a stranger. He was well-versed in cultural topics, ministry, as a businessperson, a giver, a comedian in his own right, and a sports fanatic. In his leisure, Ron enjoyed attending sporting events, music festivals and reading. You could always find someone looking for him for safe refuge. His hand on your shoulder, or a kind word was all it took to make you feel protected and motivated to keep moving forward. Often sharing life lessons, Ron always gave great wisdom.

Ron was a member of St. John United Methodist Church located in Eden, NC, where he served faithfully as an attending member and major supporter of the church in the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A certified lay-speaker, former Chair of Administrative Board, Trustee, Gospel Choir, Outreach & Witness Committee, Male Choir, active member of the United Methodist Men and Finance Committee Member. Ron was moved by God’s love for him. God’s perfect love was an inspiration for Ron to love others in the same way.

Ron was preceded in death by his stepfather, Horace Parker, and sister Mabel Parker. He leaves to cherish the spirit of his love and memory: his wife, Margaret Broadnax-Colbert; daughter, Tammara Broadnax; God-given daughters, Danyel Harris (Detroit, MI), Patricia Neal (Reidsville, NC), God-given grandsons Otto Delano Harris IV (Detroit, MI), Samuel Youse III (Reidsville, NC); Sister, Inell Parker (Detroit, MI); brother, Elder Darnell Colbert (Cleveland, OH), two sisters-in-law: Annie Corbett (Fort Walton Beach, FL), Linda (Steve) Richardson (Jacksonville, FL); two brothers-in-law: Jerry Broadnax (Eden, NC), Timothy Broadnax (Eden, NC), god-brother: Elder Donald Dupree (Cleveland, OH); aunt: Doris Gibson (Macon, GA); special cousins: Aretha (Terry) Taylor (Decatur, GA); Glenda (Walter) Fallings (Roberta, GA), Yvonne Gibson (Macon, GA), Denise (Dexter) Gibson-Brewer (Roberta, GA); god-daughter: JaNyah Martin (Greensboro, NC). Also mourned by: Monteece Clark, Dakota Robinson, India Robinson, Nathaniel Millner, Tena McNeil, Renee Dillard, Miranda Dalton, LaTasha Dalton, Brenda Finney, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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I worked with Ron at Smith Stokes and he was always a happy soul! He would sing gospel songs ,he said ' always keep your eyes on Jesus!! He will definitely be missed by many! Rest easy my Friend.

My Heart Just Broke with Tears when I Saw My Dear Friend Ron Had Passed..He and I Worked Together about 22 Yrs at Smith Stokes Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep in Reidsville..I'll Never Forget All Those Special Times We Spent Together on and Away from The Dealership..Love You My Dear Friend..I Know You're Working a Deal Right Now....

Sorry for our great loss! May God Almighty strengthen Wife, Daughter, Family and friends.Ron will forever be remember for his lovely smile, kindness! Forever in our hearts, Thank God for special memories.Sandra Moore/ Family - Prayers Up.🙏

Deepest sympathy Colbert & Parker family. Great memories growing up on Seyburn in Detroit, Michigan. Ronnie was much older than me, but I always remember him visiting his beloved Mother. His Mother had a kind heart ❤️ & it reflects in the reading of the obituary Ronnie had a kind heart ❤️ as well. Thank God for beautiful memories. R.I.P

My Papa Ron, it was hard to enter the house knowing I wouldn't here you shout I was home. The greatness of your presence was a joy to behold. Straight up laughter,comedy show, intelligence, strong oak tree rooted in Jesus with branches for all to find rest. I miss the power-talks already. I love you Mama Maggie and my Sis Tam♡ To my NC family, continue to smile and remember enjoy the legacy of memories from Papa Ron. Your Daughter from the "D"

What a wonderful, wonderful man, half of a union with his beloved Margaret that has bestowed smiles, warmth, and caring for so many. He led a truly successful life in all aspects, and I appreciate that he was allowed to grace mine.

Peaceful journey, kind sir. We were all blessed to have known you. To the family, may His loving arms surround you with His comfort. Tina P.

We have no words just RIP dear friend RIP we love y'all Wayne and Chris

My condolences to the family, I really didn't know Ron that well. I met him through my son Kevin. He would always call to make sure all was well with him, and would make the trip to Greensboro to check on him. My son thought the world of him and he was like a father to him. I really appreciated him calling and stopping by to talk with him. He will truly be missed...gone but not forgotten ❤️

Mack's Chapel Church would like to extend or deepest condolences to Mrs Margaret and family on the loss of your loved one. We pray God's peace and comfort during this difficult time.

May God be with you at this time and give you strength to bear this loss and may his love grant you peace to lighten your tomorrows. With sympathy Helena Scales.

Always a true friend indeed,your boisterous spirit and your smile were the best on every occasion that I saw you no matter the time nor circumstance,I will miss you my good friend, God has came got a true warrior of a good man to have along side of him in heaven,Rest easy my friend,R Darnell Broadnax6fh7sc

My heart is broken at he departure of the man who called me his daughter even though biologically we were not related. Tam and Maggie I am praying for the both of you. I know the loss seems unbearable now, but WE will make it though this. Rest Easy Ron... Love Tena

My sincere condolences in the loss of Ron. Have known him and Margaret for many years. We have shared a lot of good times with our families and church. He was the type of person that never met a stranger. He always had a smile on his face. May he rest in peace. He is resting at the right hand of God. No more pain or suffering. God makes no mistakes. My you find comfort at this difficult time. Beretta, Oriana and Babby.

I'm reaching out to let You and the Family know I'm sorry for Your loss and I'm praying for You All
Love, Stephanie at Chapel Hill UMC in Reidsville

Prayers and love to you Margaret and your family. Ron will be missed. A special servant of God. Wallis and Pat Merricks

Maggie and Tam we are truly sorry to hear about Ron passing know that your in our thoughts and prayers. John,Carolyn,Carla Hairston

Love,hugs,and prayers for all of the family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Margaret and family. Your friends in Christ. Warren & Betty Pettigrew ( Salem Methodist Church)

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO MARGRET AND FAMILY

You will forever be missed, Papa Ron! We will watch and take care of Ma Maggie!
Your other daughter...Miranda

Prayers to you Mrs. Margaret, and your family. Mr Ron was a joy to talk to. Always in our prayers. I'm only a phone call away. Love you St. John Youth Ministry

Sorry for our great loss,A beautiful smile and caring soul to forever remember, Thank God for precious memories and May God Strengthen family and friends. 🙏 Sandra Moore/ Family ❤️