A beloved member of the Edgecombe County community and our loving father, Ronald Earl Wooten moved on to the sweet by and by early in the morning Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 77 years old. He lived a long life filled with love, hard work, and joy in helping others.

Ronald was born on June 6, 1947, to David Earl and Minnie Morris Wooten, and grew up helping with farmwork around the Macclesfield area. He was a hardworking father and husband, who was dedicated to his family. Throughout his life, he put Jesus first, embodying His teachings to love thy neighbor and care for the down-trodden, and delighted in fellowshipping with his church and larger community. He was an Army Veteran and a volunteer firefighter with the Conetoe Volunteer Fire Department. He worked for Anaconda, the Town of Tarboro, and then Edgecombe County for many years. Finally, he moved to NAACO and stayed there until retirement. Ronald's work ethic was unmatched, and because of his problem-solving abilities and skill in various trades, he maintained a steady flow of side jobs, which allowed him to engage many more people in his community and was able to repair or build just about anything at home.

Ronald had a genuine love for people, and he accepted and loved them all—he could strike up a conversation with anyone and liked to joke and carry on. He was compassionate and empathetic, and if he found out that someone was in need, he'd quietly do what he could to help that person. He always taught us, his children, that you do your alms in private, paraphrasing Matthew 6:1–4. He never helped others for gratitude or recognition, but because he was simply being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Ronald loved to stay busy, and in years past, he was always on the lookout for a good deal in the bargain trader. He loved going to yard sales just to look around. He enjoyed gospel music and country music and was quite a singer in his day—although his family and the folks beside him in the pew were the only ones who got to enjoy his beautiful voice.

Ronald is preceded in death by his loving mother, Minnie Gertrude Morris Wooten, and father, David Earl Wooten. He is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Deborah Whitaker Wooten, his daughter Michelle Wooten Everett and her husband Calvin, his son Ronald Glenn Allen Wooten and his former wife Jennifer, his grandson Caleb Ronald Griffin and his wife Xochipilli, his grandchild Jasper Eris Grace and faer wife Willow, and his great-grandchildren Bloom and Isla Griffin. Ronald is also survived by his siblings, Jean Harris and her husband Edward, Pearl Hardee, Faye Webb and her husband Levy, and David Lee Wooten and his wife Judy, and by nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Daddy, we love and miss you immensely. You were our "go-to" and our comfort. You were always someone we could count on. We thank you, Daddy, for all the calls, wise words of advice, the lessons you taught us, and the beautiful lives we've lived because of you, your hard work, and your boundless love for us. We are better people because of you. We will keep you forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held for Ronald on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Carlisle Funeral Home in Tarboro, followed by his home-going service in the Carlisle Chapel on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Following the service, we will gather at Edgecombe Memorial Park to lay our father to rest.

There will also be a live stream that you can watch on the Carlisle Funeral Home Facebook account.

If you would like to offer your sympathy during this difficult time, we, Michelle and Glenn, ask that in lieu of flowers, you make a donation to the community benevolence fund that we have set up at Brentwood Pentecostal Holiness Church. You may place a check in the locked mailbox in the parking lot or mail a check to Brentwood PH Church, 3806 N. Main Street, Tarboro, NC 27886 to carry on our father's greatest joy, helping others. Please put in the Memo of your check: In Care of Ronald Wooten's Benevolence. Alternatively, please feel free to help someone in your community who is in need.