ELLENBORO- Ronald "Ronnie" "Pawpaw" Wheat, 76, died Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at Carolinas Healthcare System-Cleveland. A native of Cherokee County, SC, he was the son of the late William and Julia Wright Wheat. He worked in textiles, was a faithful member and deacon of Cornerstone Baptist Church, and had a love for building anything out of wood and painting.

PRECEDED: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Roger Wheat; and sister, Juneanne Randolph.

SURVIVED: He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Phyllis Holt Wheat, of the home; sons, Steve Wheat and wife Kim of Rutherfordton, and Carl Wheat of Ellenboro; daughter, Teresa Greene and husband Jerry of Ellenboro; sister, Linda Atkins and husband Johnny of Grover; brothers, Kenny Wheat and wife Joanne of Kings Mountain, and Michael Wheat and wife Bobbie of Patterson Springs; grandchildren, Adam, Joseph, Jill, Chrissy, Tricia, Savannah, Michael, Carla, Julia, and Jayson; 14 great-grandchildren; and his canine companion, Bella.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends Saturday, 2-3:30pm, at Cornerstone Baptist Church

FUNERAL SERVICES: Funeral services will be held 3pm, Sunday, at Cornerstone Baptist Church

OFFICIATING: Dr. Bo Wagner, and Revs. John Perry and Tommy Wright

BURIAL: Southern Baptist Church Cemetery in Rutherfordton

MEMORIALS: Cornerstone Baptist Church Youth, 4357 W. Dixon Blvd., Shelby, NC 28152

FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby

ONLINE CONDOLENCES: www.claybarnette.com