Ronnie Wolford, Sr.

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see.
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
All filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry,
The way you did today.
While thinking of the many things
We never got to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you.
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right there in your heart.



Ronnie Wolford, Sr., 67, of Fayetteville, WV, formerly of Beards Fork, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2015, surrounded by his family.

Ronnie was born December 1, 1947, in Beards Fork, WV, son of the late Eugene and Merle Smith Wolford.

He retired from Cannelton Coal in 2000 after 35 years of service. Ronnie was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a special friend to many – but his pride and joy were his six precious grandchildren. He never met a stranger and those who knew him could always count on him. Always caring for his friends, neighbors and community, Ronnie worked tirelessly along with the late Ray Long and Bob Friley, and many others, to found the Loup Creek Volunteer Fire Department in 1976. The Department had continuous growth under his leadership as Fire Chief until 1988 when he decided to hang his helmet and coat for the last time.

He is preceded in death by his son, Tim Wolford, sister, Mary Ann Wolford., and step-mother, Dollie Wolford.

Ronnie is survived by his loving and caring wife of 49 years, Shelby J. Fox Wolford; his brother, Don Wolford and partner, Don Johnson of Winston-Salem, NC; son, Ron, Jr. and wife Heather, and grandchildren Tanner and Colt of Greensboro, NC; daughter, Amy and husband, Anthony Terrell, and grandchildren Alexis, Aleyah, and Jaylon of Greensboro, NC; daughter-in-law Angela Wolford and grandson Chandler of Beckley; step-brother Farrell Brown of Fayetteville; and step-sisters Sue Kirk of Manassas, VA, Margie Skaggs of Wriston; a host of cousins and other family members; and his very special cousin Kendra Blanton who he considered a sister.

The family is extremely grateful for the care and compassion from the staff at Cone Health Care, Duke Hospital, Hospice of Greensboro, and New River Health Pulmonary Rehab Clinic. The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Michael Cooper of Greensboro, NC.

The family will have visitation for friends and family on Friday, August 14, 2015 from 6-8PM at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 11AM at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill with Rev. Delmas Wolfe and Rev. Wayne Johnston officiating. Burial will take place at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Beckley.

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Inc.