Ronald E. Pelfrey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pastor, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026, at Warrior's Walk at the W.J.B. Dorn VA Medical Center following a courageous battle with metastatic cancer. He was 81 years old.

Born on June 15, 1945, to R.E. and Hazel (Brock) Pelfrey, Ronald lived a life marked by faith, service, dedication, and a deep love for his family and friends. Throughout his life, he faithfully served his country, his community, and, above all, his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ronald proudly served his country as an Army officer during the Vietnam War with the 82nd Airborne Division. His commitment to service continued throughout his life, reflecting the strength, discipline, and sense of duty that defined him.

A gifted athlete and dedicated student, Ronald graduated from East Tennessee State University, where he played football and served as captain of the team. He was recognized as a conference defensive lineman and was an active member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and Scabbard and Blade, a military honor society. His years at East Tennessee State helped shape the leadership, camaraderie, and determination that remained hallmarks of his life.

Following his undergraduate studies, Ronald earned his Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He answered God's calling to ministry and faithfully served as a pastor for more than 50 years, shepherding congregations in North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina. His ministry was defined by his love for the Lord, his commitment to sharing the Gospel, and his desire to care for others through every season of life.

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Ronald served for more than 25 years as an associate chaplain at Lexington Medical Center. In this role, he continued his lifelong calling to offer spiritual guidance, comfort, and compassion to patients and families during some of their most difficult moments.

Outside of his ministry, Ronald was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy in hunting and fishing. He especially cherished time spent on Lake Murray and fishing with friends at Santee. He also enjoyed working out with his friends several times a week at the Tri-City Leisure Center, where fellowship and friendship were just as important as the exercise itself. These simple pleasures, shared with those he loved, brought him great happiness throughout his life.

Perhaps Ronald's greatest earthly blessing was his family. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara (McCurry) Pelfrey. Their enduring love and lifelong partnership were a testament to commitment, devotion, and the beauty of building a life together.

He is also survived by his daughter, Tania (Mark) Smith, and his son, Todd (Shrenda) Pelfrey, who carry forward his legacy of love, faith, and family.

Ronald was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Meredith (Jacob) Stone, Madison-Ann Pelfrey, Anna-Paige (Travis) Pelfrey, Mary Kathryn (Miles) Fowler, Austin Smith, and Colby Smith. He was also a beloved great-grandfather to three great-grandchildren, Luke, Blake, and Stella Stone, who brought him immeasurable joy.

His life was a testament to the power of faith, the importance of family, the value of friendship, and the lasting impact of a life devoted to serving others. Ronald leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the churches he served, the patients he comforted, and the communities he called home. His influence will live on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the generations who will continue to carry his name and his faith forward.

Funeral Service

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Lexington Baptist Church, located at 308 East Main Street, Lexington, South Carolina. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Monte Vista Memorial Park in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Memorials

Memorials may be sent to the Pastoral Care at Lexington Medical Center or the Senior Adult Ministry at Lexington Baptist Church.

Special thanks to the staff at Warrior's Walk for their superb care for our veteran.