Ronald Joseph Justus

Ronald Joseph Justus passed away in his hometown of Hendersonville, NC on
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at the age of 71. Ronnie is survived by his devoted wife of 51
years, Mary Sue Wilde Justus, and their daughters Amanda Lynn Galvin (Derek) and
Elizabeth Anne Meunier (Thomas). He will be fondly remembered by his six
grandchildren, Lily, Maggie, Annabelle, Juliette, Joséphine and Adrien, and by his sister
Patricia Reece (Dale) and his brother Tommy Justus (Tanya).

Ronnie grew up in Dana with his now deceased parents, Clyde and Doris Justus, and
was a member of Refuge Baptist Church. He was known to his friends as Ronnie Joe.
He resided most of his adult life in the beautiful home that had been his grandparents’,
which he and Sue renovated themselves, at the base of Hebron Mountain. Ronnie
graduated from East Henderson High School in 1967, served in the US Army and
retired from a career as an industrial engineer at Bildon, Inc. He was a Life Time
Member of the Hendersonville Elks Lodge #1616. Most of his friends and family also
knew Ronnie as a talented artist, and his paintings and drawings can be found in homes
and public spaces across North Carolina.

All who were lucky enough to know Ronnie would agree that he had a special love for
life that was contagious. He enjoyed music, food, and the outdoors, especially fishing
trips with his buddies. Ronnie never knew a stranger, and no matter where he was, it
was natural for him to make friendly conversation with anyone. He most enjoyed telling
stories full of laughter about places he had been and people he had known. Those
closest to him would agree that Ronnie always loved others unconditionally, never
judging them for their faults, but instead he was willing to offer his trusting hand or the
shirt off his back to anyone when needed. Most notably, Ronnie’s legacy is the way he
set an example of how to treat all people, a lesson especially embraced by his children
that they will continue to pass on to others in their lives.

A memorial service for Ronnie will be held Friday, April 2, 2021 at 2:00 at Refuge
Baptist Church in Dana. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the North Carolina Arts
Council on his behalf.