Ronald Mosley

Ronald Gilbert Mosley, 72, lost his battle with Lewy body dementia and metastatic cancer on Tuesday, September 15, 2015. He was born February 6, 1943, in Surry County, to the late Gilbert Arnold and Louneil Venable Mosley. A graduate of North Surry High School, Ronald was a humble and hardworking man. He owned and operated Mosley Stables, LLC where he bred, raised, and trained Tennessee Walking Horses. He was known in the horse industry for his prowess with juvenile and amateur riders and their mounts. Some of the state and world champions he trained included Delight's Dark Haze, Ebony's Reward, Delight's Red Cloud, Ebony's Dolly, High Echelon, Duke's Counselor, Delight's Royal Haze, My Fantasy, Social Climber, Ebonette H, Ebony's Rebel Yell, Olympic Pusher, All American Jose, and Jubilee's Bossman. Ronald was well respected as a nationally certified horse show judge, was a past director of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association, a lifetime member of the Walking Horse Trainers' Association and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the North Carolina Walking Horse Association for his dedication and support of the industry. Ronald's greatest gift to the world was his capacity for unconditional love and his love of children. He was never too busy to work with, play with, mentor, counsel, or support a young person. His legacy is evident in the multiple generations of young people whose lives he impacted in a positive manner. Known to all as "Papa Ronald," he was never too busy to give of his time. In addition to his parents, Ronald was predeceased by his sister, Donna Mosley Hall; his in-laws, William and Mary Ellswood; and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Terri Ellswood Mosley; his sons, Bradley Ronald Mosley and wife, Shannon, and William Gilbert Mosley; his daughters, Jeanette Mosley Baucom and Rhonda Mosley Baucom and husband, Chad; and a special adopted daughter, Catherine Sawyers Lockhart. Ronald is also survived by his grandchildren, Blake Hull and wife, Elizabeth, Tyler Baucom, Kayla Baucom, Karson Mosley, Lance Mosley, Amaya Sawyers, and Jacob Lockhart; and a great-granddaughter, Jordyn Elizabeth Hull. He is survived by his sister, Cathy Mosley Cook and husband, Roger; brother, Doyle Mosley and wife, Jamie; sister-in-law, Debbie Ellswood Kight and husband, Steve; brothers in-law, Winfred Hall and William Ellswood, Jr.; aunts, Georgie Johnson Mosley, Sally Venable Moser and husband, Wayne, Rhumell Venable, and Mary Lou Venable, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ronald is survived by the multitude of young people who blessed his life with their involvement with the farm and the horse industry. Special thanks to Dr. Tamas Balogh, Delores Johnson, Dr. John Malone, the staff of Novant Health Oncology Services, the staff of Gates Pharmacy, and Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care. The family would like to thank special caregivers Doyle Mosley, Shannon Mosley, Buffy Fussell, Karen Vernon, and Jake Simmons. The family will receive friends Thursday, September 17, 2015, from 6:00 until 9:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. The funeral service will be held Friday, September 18, 2015, at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with Elder Jimmy Joyce officiating. Interment will follow at Skyline Memory Gardens. Family and friends are invited to a barn party celebration of Ronald's life at Mosley Stables immediately after the interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Children's Center of Surry, P.O. Box 692, Dobson, NC 27017; or Surry County Schools Educational Foundation, 209 North Crutchfield Street, Dobson, NC 27017. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.