Ronnie "RB" M. Boals, Jr.

It is with a heavy heart we share the passing of Ronald M. Boals, Jr. (known to many simply as "RB") who entered into eternal rest on Monday, November 6, 2023, passing peacefully at home with his loved ones. Ronnie was born January 30,1944 in Charleston, SC and raised in Holly Hill, Orangeburg and Jacksonville, Florida.

Ronnie Boals AKA "RB" has been a name synonymous with excellent seafood and hospitality in the Lowcountry for more than 50 years. He was born into a family long known for outstanding restaurants and great food. In 1967, at the age of 23, he opened his first restaurant the infamous "Trawler", followed by the Lorelei, RB's, Cappy's, Ronnie's, Johnny's Seafood Market, Josie Joe's and the Noisy Oyster. He was recognized and honored by the Town of Mount Pleasant as the longest continuously serving independent restaurant owner in the community. In 2016 Mayor Linda Page was instrumental in having Church Street along Shem Creek renamed to Ronnie Boals Boulevard. He was humbled by this honor and truly appreciative of the large gathering of friends and other leaders from the restaurant community that came together to honor him that day. All this is in recognition of his pioneering role in making Shem Creek the widely known destination it is today. Boals family restaurants have been a mainstay on Shem Creek and this region for decades. Ronnie loved the restaurant business and people came from near and far to enjoy them. Ronnie's impact has also been felt by many in more personal ways in their lives. Ronnie Boals life is a story of rising from having little but through hard work, grit and determination he succeeded in becoming a very successful entrepreneur in a business where 50 years of longevity is truly uncommon. He indeed was a true "rags to riches" self-made man.

With his larger than life persona, he achieved all his accomplishments and he did it all "his way". This work ethic carried him from shining shoes as a young boy, delivering newspapers, washing dishes and sweeping floors to becoming a major influence and mentor in the lives of those who worked for him. Under his tutelage several went on to establish their own successful restaurants. He expected the best from his employees and in return he gave respect and loyalty to all. In his early years when many of his employees didn't have transportation, they would all gather in his van (after closing time in the wee hours of the morning) and he would drive them home as far as Huger and Awendaw only to get home for a few hours sleep and get up and start another day. He spoke fondly of those memories when he reminisced about his early days in the business. Ronnie would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it and a meal if you were hungry. He helped so many - quietly and in his own humble way. If he was your friend - you knew it.

In his later years, he began to enjoy success more but slowed down and sought the peace and joy of the family he adored and his many faithful friends. He expressed great pride in his restaurateur son Wade and equally Shane and Reagan and his grandchildren. He received and gave great love to his wife Debbie who made his life complete these past 16 years.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife Debbie Boals and their Yorkie's Coco, Mattie Lou and Sophie; sons Ronald Wade Boals (Meta), Robert Shane Boals and Frank Reagan Boals; grandchildren Madison Boals, Harrison Boals, Victoria Boals, Lauren Boals (Will), Jack Boals and Patton Boals in addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Ronald Boals, Sr, mother Louise Bessinger Boals, sister Dyanne Boals Whitton and brother Tommy Ray Boals.

Sincerest thanks and deepest appreciation to Katie Condon and Jeanette Cromedy who cared for him at home and Harris Abel and all the staff at Roper Hospice as well as all the doctors and nurses that cared for him at Roper Hospital. He will be missed everyday but forever remembered by those that loved him. He fought the good fight, he finished the race and he kept the faith. He never gave up - when giving up could have been so easy. A fighter to his very last breath.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt Pleasant, SC. Please join the Boals family in honoring the life and legacy of Ronnie and what he has meant to the Mount Pleasant community. Visitation will be Friday, November 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Honoring his wishes, the family graveside service at Mt Pleasant Memorial Gardens, where he will be laid to rest will be private. Flowers are welcomed or a donation can be made to the charity of your choice. Any form of condolence to honor his memory is very much appreciated. God bless you all.

A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.