Ronnie R. Donaldson

Retired Fire Chief Ronnie R. Donaldson passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024, in his home on James Island, South Carolina at the age of 75. Ronnie was born on January 22, 1949, in Swainsboro, Georgia. Ronnie was predeceased by his father, Leland Donaldson; his mother, Jeanette Faircloth Fender; and his stepfather, Donald Fender. 

Ronnie proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and achieved the rank of Aviation Boatswain’s Mate H (Aircraft Handling) Second Class and as a shipboard firefighter. He completed two tours of duty in the Vietnam War aboard the USS Dubuque, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged on February 15, 1973.

Following his military service, Ronnie continued to pursue a career in firefighting. He earned an Associate Degree in Public Service with a concentration in Fire Science from Midlands Technical College. He began his firefighting career with the James Island Fire Department, where he met and married his wife, Cynthia. Together, they were blessed with two sons, Ronnie Eben and Timothy Scott.

After leaving the James Island Fire Department, Ronnie continued his career with the Department of Defense, working as a firefighter at the Naval Weapons Station and the Polaris Missile Facility. Throughout his career, he advanced through the ranks, ultimately retiring as Fire Chief.

Ronnie received numerous accolades throughout his service in both the Navy and the fire department, but one of his proudest achievements was becoming a Master Mason in 1984. He was an active member of Fidelity James Island Lodge #304 AFM and a devoted member of Bethany United Methodist Church.

Ronnie is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Cynthia; his sons, Ronnie Eben and Timothy Scott; and five grandchildren: Summer, Tyler, Cole, Saylah, and Reef. He is also survived by his three sisters, Linda Dodd (Richard), Ellen Wagner (Marvin), and Sandy Merkle (Dennis – deceased); his stepbrother, Michael Fender (Claudia); and stepsister, Donna Nash (Tommy). He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins who cherished him deeply.

A Memorial Service to honor Ronnie’s life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church, 1853 Maybank Highway. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow immediately at Live Oak Memorial Gardens in the Veterans Section, with Military and Masonic honors.

Family and friends are invited to lunch at the James Island Masonic Temple, 1613 Fort Johnson Road, at 2:00 p.m. following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, a church family Ronnie loved dearly.

________________________