Ronald Alexander McCreary, age 74, of Boone, passed away among the company of his family on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.

Ronald was born on August 11, 1948, in Catawba, North Carolina to parents Arnold Edward (Mr. MAC) and Mary Belle Alexander McCreary.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen Broadbent McCreary and two children: son Morgan Alexander McCreary, wife Elizabeth McCreary, and grandson Beau Warren McCreary as well as son Dr. Ryan Justin McCreary, wife Jennifer Downs McCreary, granddaughter Ryleigh Jo McCreary, and granddaughter Rebecca Kathleen McCreary.

Ron and Kathy met at Appalachian High School, started dating, and have been together ever since. They were married for 53 wonderful years.

Education and service to one's country were very important to Ron. Ron earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Master's Degree in Business Administration from Appalachian State University.  Ron always wanted his sons to earn a good education and provide service to others. He was so proud of his sons for earning college degrees and serving others through the military and the public school system. Ron was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served honorably in the Vietnam War. Ron loved the military and he could always be seen proudly wearing his favorite Vietnam Veteran hat. His son Morgan also currently proudly serves as a Captain (Promotable) in the United States Army. Ryan serves as the principal of Clyde Campbell Elementary with Catawba County Schools in Hickory, NC. Ron was also very proud of both of his sons for participating in scouting and earning the Eagle Scout Award.

Ron loved watching Appalachian State football games and held season tickets throughout his life. He was also an avid reader and loved history.

The most important part of Ron's life was his family. He cared deeply about his family and it was important to him to be at his son's sporting events and activities. He often could be seen sitting on the sideline to watch Morgan play basketball games or following Ryan around the golf course during matches. He was an extremely good listener and he was always there to provide advice and guidance to his sons.

Ron's dad, Mr. Mac, who owned Thrift Grocery and served on the Town Council in Boone always treated people fairly and with respect in all his interactions. Ron carried on his dad's legacy by living out these attributes daily in his own life. Integrity, trust, "a man's word," and love were attributes that mattered to Ron and he always wanted people to be treated fairly. As an insurance agent with Prudential and New England Financial, Ron always wanted to do what was best for his clients and treated his clients like they were a member of his own family. Ron was an active member of Boone United Methodist Church and also actively served with the Masonic Lodge, Boone Jaycees, and Kiwanis club during his life.

The family also appreciates the doctors, nurses, and support staff at the Life Care Center at Banner Elk, Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge, Watauga Medical Center, Frye Regional Medical Center, and the Wellness Center in Boone. A special thank you to Dr. David Cline, Dr. Leland Cook, and Dr. Christopher Hunt for their wonderful care during Ron's life.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service in Boone, North Carolina. The receiving will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with the service to follow at 11:00 AM in the Hampton Funeral Service Chapel. The United States Air Force Honor Guard will also be assisting with the service. Pastor Dr. Andrew Rawls will officiate. Entombment will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

I lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Catawba County Schools to support their playground project at Clyde Campbell Elementary School.  Ron loved watching his grandchildren play.  Checks can be written to Catawba County Schools.  In the subject line, please put Clyde Campbell Playground Project.  The address is P.O. Box 1010, Newton, NC 28658

Online condolences may be sent to the McCreary family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.