Ronald Arthur Kratz, 71, of 7235 Hwy 86 South in Yanceyville, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at Danville Regional Medical Center in Danville, VA. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, March 25, at Kings Highway Christian Church in Eden, NC. Mr. Kratz was born February 10, 1940 in Philadelphia, PA, son of the late Arthur and Gertrude Neville Kratz. He was a graduate of Bristol High School and moved to Danville, VA in 1959. He was a retiree of Goodyear after 32 years of service. After his retirement he remained active with the retirees. He enjoyed travelling and camping, in particular at the beach. He was considered by those that love him to be a "child at heart" and during his visits to Myrtle Beach he enjoyed visiting Broadway at the Beach where there is a carousel and organ, whose music brought back fond childhood memories of the carousels and organs he heard growing up in the coastal areas up north. Mr. Kratz built his own home many years ago and loved working in his yard and caring for his garden which brought forth vegetables that he enjoyed canning. He was also a collector of Lionel Trains. Surviving is his wife, Shirley Patterson Kratz of the home; daughter, Teresa Kratz Fuquay and husband, Phillip; son, Ronald "Ronnie" Kratz, Jr.; step-daughter, Cinith Reece Howington and husband, Roger; step-son, Thomas A. Reece, III; 10 grandchildren; sister, Virginia Kratz Sharrow and husband, Raymond; niece Beth Sharrow Edwards; and nephew, Randy Sharrow. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two step-daugthers, Michele Reece Surratt and Hollis Reece Hooper. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at Kings Highway Christian Church and other times at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to Kings Highway Christian Church, 417 West Kings Highway, Eden, NC 27288. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
May the God of great comfort bring you peace as you reflect on Ron's life and your times together. The Goodyear family has lost a great friend and co-worker. God bless you all.
Harvey & Martha Flanagan
Shirley and Family, Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time. Ron was such a nice person and I'm so sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know.
Edward and Linda Travis
My prayers are with you. I knew Ron from Goodyear. He was a great person. I recently talked with him at the Radio Shack parking lot in Yanceyville. I am glad we had a good talk that day. He told me you went to church in Eden and passed by my house on the way. I live on 158 W of Yanceyville. May God be with you.
Bruce Clayton
I worked with Ron for many years at Goodyear and have fond memorys of him. He was truly a gentleman and a very caring person. He loved his family very much and talked about you guys so much. Ron was on the Safety Committee at Goodyear and did a great job to improve the health and safety of all the employees. My God bless you as you continue your life without him. Eleanor Pearson
Eleanor & J.R. Pearson
Leave A Condolence Below For The Family Of Ronald Arthur Kratz:Fill out the form below and Fair Funeral Home will forward this message to the deceased's family and post it on our website. All condolences are reviewed for content before being posted live.
