Ron Sheets

Ron Sheets was a vivacious man who didn’t just live each day; rather he fully immersed himself in each moment and made it his own. Ron had a style all his own and although he planted his feet in a variety of places, he discovered he was happiest in the south with all his mind, body, and spirit. Ron was a die hard University of Michigan fan who most certainly bled maize and blue. Ron was a friend to all and with his generous nature would give anyone the shirt off his back to lend a hand in a time of need.

The 1950s were a revolutionary time within the culture of our nation as we were introduced to the sounds of rock ‘n roll and the music of legends such as Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis were broadcast from shore to shore. Often called the “Nifty Fifties,” the increased popularity of television allowed college football to be followed like never before as well. Clarence and Iris (Duncan) Sheets, of Benton Harbor, Michigan were preparing for an exciting time within their own family as well as they were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their second child at any time. They were indeed blessed on January 15, 1955 with the healthy birth of their son, Ronald Ray. Ron, as he came to be called, spent his formative years in the Benton Harbor area and was cared for primarily by his mother who was a homemaker and a waitress while his father worked as an insurance salesman. Ron was the middle child of the Sheets family, with a brother John who was 13 years older and a sister Becky who was 3 years younger. Growing up, Ron attended local schools. During high school, Ron attended Woodway High School where he enjoyed art and shop classes and developed a passion for Ford Mustangs as well.

Although he only attended high school through the eleventh grade, Ron hit the ground running and he never stopped. He immediately took a full-time job at a printing company and in 1972, he moved to Mattawan, Michigan. Ron soon found employment as a line technician at Fabri-Kal, a manufacturer of plastic foodservice containers and custom consumer goods packaging headquartered in Kalamazoo. Of great significance during this time was a relationship from which Ron was blessed with a beautiful daughter named Lisa, born in 1976. A short time later, Ron was introduced to a young woman named Kathy Henderson through a friend and it wasn’t long before a romance had blossomed between Ron and Kathy. They were united in marriage in June of 1978 and although this marriage ended in divorce in 1980, this union blessed Ron with a son named Ronnie, in 1979.

Ready for a new start, Ron lived in Lawton, Michigan with his father and son from 1982 until 1991. Still working for Fabri-Kal, in 1991 Ron decided to relocate with the company to their plant in Greenville, South Carolina. This move proved to be a good fit for Ron as he fit right in with life in the south, especially enjoying the warmer climate. In fact, he loved it down south and the south seemed to love him too!

There were many interests that Ron enjoyed when he had some leisure time. Music was a big part of Ron’s life; he even proclaimed that The Beatles changed his life. In addition to The Beatles, Ron loved the music of Paul Revere and any kind of rock or hard rock music. He went to concerts too numerous to count and loved hanging out with his buddies too, often with his favorite beer, Coors Light in his hand as it didn’t give him a hangover like Budweiser did. Ron was into politics, enjoyed listening to Howard Stern, and was a die hard University of Michigan fan that especially loved football and he lived to host barbeques for his family and friends. Ron was a friend to all and his home was the Mecca where they all seemed to gather. Ron liked Harley Davidson and the image associated with their products but he had both a Gold Wing and a Yamaha instead. Remaining true to his adventurous side, Ron also enjoyed canoeing and whitewater rafting.

Ron was truly unique and his personality was one that his family and friends will forever cherish, a true one-of-a-kind guy. He was spontaneous and could be heard saying things such as “tonight we’re going to have steak, go get some steaks and I’ll grill them up!” Ron was hard-working and trustworthy and he could always be counted on to lend a hand. Ron was a rare breed, unique to the core beginning with his appearance which usually consisted of long hair, holey jeans, a shirt referred to as a “wife beater,” and a leather jacket as well. Ron was family oriented especially when it came to his son Ronnie with whom he lived and shared numerous common interests. Ron had a great sense of humor and he loved to laugh and make others laugh too as he was infamous for his ability to impersonate Jack Nicholson in most of his movies.

Ron’s life was abruptly interrupted when he fell victim to an infection, leaving his body in a compromised condition, his organs shutting down. Ron underwent surgery which left him in a coma for the remaining two weeks of his life. Ron was sadly never able to wake up.

Headed out on the open road with his hair whipping in the wind is where Ron Sheets truly loved to be. He was many things including a loyal friend, a dedicated employee for Fabri-Kal for 31 years, and a proud father yet underneath it all, Ron was always an individual. He was into symbolism, hard rock music, and the Michigan Wolverines but it was when he was enjoying good food, good beer and good friends that Ron was truly happy. Ron leaves behind rich and colorful memories that will be forever treasured by all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed.

Ron Sheets died May 20, 2009 in Greenville, SC. Ron’s family includes his two children: Lisa (Aaron) Treadway and Ronnie Sheets; 3 grandchildren: Zackary, Devin and Jacob; his father, Clarence Sheets; 2 siblings: Burr John (Judy Ann) Smith and Rebecca (Rick) Clark and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Iris Sheets and by his nephew, Blake Warren. Share in some refreshments with his family and friends on Tuesday from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home - Paw Paw, MI, 60900 M-40, 657-3870 where services will be held Wednesday 11:00 a.m. Burial at Oak Grove Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Big T’s. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a memory or photo, sign his memory book before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial contribution to his grandchildren’s college education fund c/o Consumers Credit Union.