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William Ronnie Lance Jr. Obituary
Celebration of Life services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel. The Rev. Levi Skipper, Ken Crenshaw and Bobby Whitworth will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 2015, at the funeral home.
Ronnie was born Sept. 14, 1944, in Asheville, N.C. He was the son of the late William R. "Bill" Lance Sr. and Yvonne Davies Lance.
He graduated from West Henderson High School and attended Asheville Biltmore College on both baseball and basketball scholarships.
A successful entrepreneur, Ronnie owned and operated the Burger Chef restaurants in the Southeast and together with his wife, Carol, founded and operated the well-known Beef Corral restaurants, among other business ventures. Ronnie was an active supporter of state and local politics and the Beef Corrals provided a popular bipartisan venue for candidates to meet the voting public and have their views heard.
Ronnie was appointed to the Georgia State Board of Corrections in 1983 and served as secretary, treasurer and vice chairman, eventually being appointed for a two-year term as chairman in 1989. He continued to serve on the Board of Corrections through the mid-90s and was very proud of the advancements made during his involvement. Ronnie left the Board of Corrections and worked for the Georgia Building Authority into the late 1990s.
He was instrumental in the founding of Lance Animal Hospital in 2006 with his wife Carol, son Bryan and daughter-in-law Dr. Marie Lance. His love of animals was evident throughout his life. He had a special touch with all creatures, especially young dogs and horses. Ronnie was passionate about his family, his animals and his farms. He made many life-long friends from all walks of life and will be missed by all who knew him.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Sandra Lance Lacey, Hubert G. "Jerry" Lance, Allie Steven Lance and Curtis Merritt Lance.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol R. Lance; sons, William Bryan Lance (Dr. Marie Lance); and Joseph C. "Chad" Lance Sr. (Ashley); grandson, Joseph C. Lance Jr. (Angelita); granddaughter, Taylor Morgan Hewell (Ben); and granddaughter, Annelise Marie Lance; and brother, Charles Lance; and adopted grandson, Alex Carnes.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Gainesville Masonic Lodge F&AM #219, 621 Lakeshore Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501.
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501, 770-297-6200 or for those who desire online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Ronnie Lance Jr.
June Rose Jenkins
September 11, 2023
So enjoyed eating at the steak house and then having Ronnie and Carol join our Sunday School class!
Mavis Daniel- Dorsey
October 10, 2015
I have thought about you all over the years wondered how everyone was...Ronnie Lance gave me my first job At the Beef Corral...I had great times there...we kinda grew up with Brian and Chad...Ronnie was a charmer...I just recently learned of his passing...my sincerest condolences go out to all the family...He has earned his rest....may he rest in peace....
Peggy Barron-Nelsen
September 29, 2015
Carol and family, I just found out today about Ronnie and my heart is with the entire family. I am grateful I got to met and know him. Even when he felt bad he always had a smile on his face and at least he got to see his grandchild (Marie and Bryan's)grow up and become a beautiful young lady. He glowed whenever he took care of her. I know this is a big lost to all of you however he is in a better place and you will see him again. Love to all of you Peggy Barron-Nelsen/Smokie
September 21, 2015
My sincere condolences go out to the Lance family and close friends. May the hope found in Gods' word out weigh the grief you feel. 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14
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Sherry Rundles
September 20, 2015
So sorry for your loss
September 18, 2015
Carol, Our heart goes out to you and your family. We're so sorry to hear about the passing of Ronnie. You're all in our thoughts and prayers. Diane & Steve Cope
Brad Hill
September 18, 2015
A great man.always had something good to say .I thought a lot of Ronnie.he was a good friend.will be greatly missed
Rick & Teri Frazier
September 18, 2015
Our warmest and most sincere condolences and sympathy to the family at this time of deep sorrow. Ronnie was an exceptional man and will be greatly missed.
September 18, 2015
Carol and family.My thoughts and prayers are with you.As you know I got to know Ronnie not long after his dad Bill and partner came to Gainesville to open first Burger Chefs.He was a joy to know and be his Banker for a long while.RIP in peace my friend.
Ed Wayne
ed shannon
September 17, 2015
never saw Ronnie without a smile on his face, what a treat it was to know him...
Terry White
September 17, 2015
Carol and family,
I'm very sorry to learn of Ronnie's passing, you were both dear friends for a long time. May God be with you during this difficult time, you are in my prayers.
Kim Jackson
September 17, 2015
Wonderful man who will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace Ronnie. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Dawn Porter
September 17, 2015
To my other Precious Family...Many days will come and go, and you will still remember that beautiful smile that Daddy Ronnie always would greet you with, even when he didn't feel so well. My heart is heavy knowing the pain in the loss that you are feeling but also I have much joy in knowing that Ronnie is walking a shoreline that we all can only imagine and the beauty that he took in Tuesday morning to me is unimaginable. He certainly would not want us to grieve long for him, I know he is so happy and not in any more pain today, he just will be helping to prepare the next home for you Mom, just as he did here. I love you Dearly, and treasure our sweet memories. Just a short while ago, to have him share his thoughts of Rip, and our days so many years ago, just make me relish our times together lately so precious. My heart will hold you close, and You all are in my prayers today and the near days ahead. Once it is quiet and all visitors are gone, know I am simply a phone call away, and a short distance to be right by your side. I pray our God holds you tight, sends you a peace greater than we could find any place else, and comforts your pain as those memories take a special place in your hearts. Much Love to you (Mom) Carol, Brian and Chad...Marie, Ashley, Joseph, Taylor and Annaliese. The Porters
wendy deneff
September 17, 2015
Ronnie will be missed! I got to know him a bit more than the other nurses and it was kind of like walking into "home" when I went in that room. Carol is amazing and his boys loved their dad. Take care you all and I will say a prayer for you all and Ronnie.
Judy Puccio
September 17, 2015
Ronnie,Carol,Brian & Chad were our neighbors and one of the first families we met after coming to Gainesville in 1975. Our sons played ball together. Ronnie was a such a happy go lucky guy who did so much for the community. God Bless you and give you peace Ronnie.
Stan Reed
September 17, 2015
Rest in peace, Ronnie.
Cleo & June Jenkins
September 17, 2015
Ronnie was a blessing to everyone! I pray God's blessing on Carol and all of his family in this loss.
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