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Stephen Ronald Nobles

Stephen Nobles Obituary

Stephen Ronald Nobles Stephen Ronald Nobles, 74, a life-long resident of Beaufort, died of cancer on February 23, 2016. He is survived by his maternal cousins, Sandra Long Spoto (Ed) of Manasota Key, FL, Elizabeth Nappier Shaw (John) of Birmingham, AL, Herbert Nappier, III (Kathy) of Franklin, TN; their nine children, who always referred to him lovingly as Uncle Ronnie; a fraternal cousin, Shirley Nobles Richardson of Flowood, MS - and his devoted friend, Dorothy Graves, Lady's Island, SC. An avid fisherman, boater and musician, Ronnie was an original member of the Melody Makers, "Beaufort's best contribution to the Carolina beach and party music scene..." who drew crowds and warmed hearts all over the South. His happiest years were as the drummer and a vocalist with them from 1960 until 2003, leaving the band only briefly to perform with The Swinging' Medallions from 1969-1971. In later life, he enjoyed a successful career in the insurance industry. Ronnie's voyage through life was never a well-conceived plan. It was a good life and he always did it his way. The family plans a memorial service to be held at a later date.

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Published by The Island Packet on Feb. 26, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Nobles

19 Entries

Scott Walsh

May 11, 2025

I met Ronnie back in 1983 at the Johnson Creek Tavern on Harbor Island. He was easy to talk to and even crashed out at my place from time to time. I left Beaufort in 2000 and have been living in Santa Fe, NM for over 29 years. I'm sorry that I just found out about his passing. Loved the man and peace to all that he interacted with on his journey.

Scott Walsh

Anne Marie Long

March 2, 2016

RIP Mr. Ronnie, I will always remember the great times and great memories of my younger years through the music you played straight from you heart and soul. You are now rockin' with the angels....

Johnny Maag

March 1, 2016

R.I.P. my cousin. You will be greatly missed

Sandra Shaw

March 1, 2016

I only met Ronnie once, but I'll never forget it. He shared with me the ins and outs of Beaufort as only a native with immense charisma possibly could! His ebullience and rock and rock vibe transcends! A week after this visit, a framed photo of a shrimping boat arrived at my home, signed, 'Ronnie.' His thoughtfulness plays on! RIP Ronnie. We love you!

Libby Shaw

February 29, 2016

Ronnie immersed me into a love for Beaufort and the Low Country lifestyles. From the age of 4 on, Ronnie was the focus of my childhood admiration and envy, too. Summer vacations were not about the beach, but were about spending time with Ronnie. He introduced me to sand spurs, garage treasures, dusty walks to Koch's for candy, swimming in Beaufort River, learning to play the drums(sorta') and relishing the songs, stories, and explorations of exotic Low Country locales. Ronnie's love of music and writing will always be ingrained in my heart. How I will miss his smile, chuckles, his crazy stories, his tender, tender love for all of us, and his never-ending sense of seeking the next great adventure. I thank God for these memories that have become a reality for us.

darlene wynn

February 29, 2016

You were a legend in our rock and roll!!

Mike Burke

February 28, 2016

Ronnie, RIP, my rock n roll friend.
Thank you the memories.

Paula Coxwell

February 28, 2016

Thank you, Ronnie for the music. "The Song Remembers When". Always & Forever.

February 28, 2016

Gil and I are so very sorry for your loss and we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Gil and Lesa Murrell

MICHAEL KEYSERLING

February 27, 2016

We will miss you.

Uncle Ronnie far left

Lynley Spoto Williams

February 26, 2016

Uncle Ronnie will long be remembered in our family as loving, super cool (some may even say a real hippie), talented, and a true free spirit! He showed us that you can follow your life dream til the very end, be a musician in a band your whole life, catch fish on any given day out on the boat, love your family across the miles and be your own soul no matter what......I will miss that mischievous smile and will always appreciate the sweet legacy he leaves behind for us to cherish.......

Stephanie Spoto Dayton and family

February 26, 2016

With loving memories of Uncle Ronnie and the many wonderful times in Beaufort on the water and dancing to the band's music He will be missed but with a smile as we remember his kindness and all of the fun we had with him.

patsy c norton

February 26, 2016

So sorry to hear about another loss from the good ole Tidal Wave. Great drummer and will be missed by many as we think of the good times. Prayers for all.

Roy and Carol Butler

February 25, 2016

so sad to here of Ronnie passing.. he was a great drummer as I remember. good friend to all.. may God bless the family and give them comfort...Roy Butler

Mike & Cindy Gay

February 25, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

February 24, 2016

Good memories of our friendship as neighbors when we were in elementary school in Beaufort.

Pat Shimer Boeck

Shirley Nobles Richardson

February 24, 2016

My remembrance of Ronnie, he will forever be in my heart.

Jayne Sagar

February 24, 2016

Great guy hope he is up there playing a tune for Rick
Jayne Sagar

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results