Ronald Sherrill Elmore

Ron Elmore, 69, passed away on February 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith and joy. A life that touched countless hearts. Yet his life was not without sorrow. Like his Savior, he was acquainted with grief and learned obedience through what he suffered. He walked faithfully, trusting the Lord in joy and hardship. In his last days, he'd softly sing, 'trust and obey because there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.' His laugh filled the air, rich and unmistakable. His smile was an invitation to laugh a little louder, to hope a little deeper, to believe a little bigger. He had a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued.

At the center of Ron's life was his deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. His two life verses were Ephesians 3:20: "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. To him be glory." What God had done in his life was beyond his imagination, and he was a grateful man for it; and Revelation 12:11 "They overcame… by the blood of the Lamb and the word of his testimony… He knew firsthand the transforming power of Jesus Christ and lived as a testimony of God's grace, redemption, and transforming power. Like the woman in Luke 7 who washed Jesus' feet with alabaster, he knew his sins were many, and knowing the depth of his forgiveness, he loved much and forgave easily.

He had a servant's heart. At any event, he was unofficially on any setup and cleanup crew. He set a great table while Ann Marie cooked, then cleaned up her mess. He facilitated rich and light conversations around their table, including the "Watered Garden Table.' Following Jerry Stone's tradition, at any meal around the Watered Garden table, he sang the doxology as the blessing. His authenticity gave people the space to do the same and possibly crack their shell a little. The people who attended Beyond Imagination Ministry sometimes felt his surgical knife of discernment. He knew what was hidden could not be healed, and he loved you too much to let it remain hidden.

He married the love of his life, Ann Marie. When asked how long he'd been married, his only answer was "not long enough." His favorite food was ice cream, and his hobby was spending time with friends and family. Knowing his time was coming to an end, he was concerned for Ann Marie's future, seeing that God had deposited faith in Ron's heart for her future. She painted a picture of what she would do after he was gone. He laughed that big old laugh, then, smiling, said, "That's right, you will stay on this great adventure with God." Pointing a finger, he instructed her to "Follow him, obey him, and stay in the word." He would say the same to you. Stay on your great adventure with God (or get on the adventure). Follow him, obey him, and stay in the word.

His last days were short, intense, yet rich. Not having an easy childhood, he laughed one day and said, "I feel like a kid." God gifted him a childlike spirit. Early trauma left deep wounds, and God continued his healing. He was surprised and delighted to learn how much he was loved; he felt cared for by our friends and community. He prayed often that God would make him a kinder man. His last days were filled with kindness. His second admission to Duke, Ann Maire, was tired and cranky. She got a little snippy with one of the doctors. He spoke up, saying, 'Be kind.'

Though he will be deeply missed, those who know and love him take comfort in the assurance that he now experiences everlasting joy and wholeness in the presence of his Savior. A life well lived. A faith well placed. A laugh that will echo in our hearts

Survivors include his "beloved," Ann Marie MacLeod Elmore. Son Jose Alcaraz-Elmore and life partner Danielle Logan, and two beautiful grandchildren, Isaak and Ceira, of Havelock. Two sisters, Dorothy Tart Coats and Loucindy Elmore Jernigan, both of Dunn; Two brothers, Dwight P. Elmore and wife Pansy of Godwin, William Claudius Elmore and wife Vicki of Hope Mills. Sisters-in-law Lois Ward Elmore, Cheryl Farmer Elmore, Ann Worthington Elmore, Tonia C. Elmore, and Kathy Trotter Elmore. Numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews and a large family of friends.

He is preceded by his parents, Ottis Marvin and Emma Bunch Elmore, and four brothers and one sister: Ottis Ashford Elmore, John B. Elmore, Marvin Bunch, his twin brother Donald E. Elmore, and Emma Jean Elmore.

"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'"

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Cross Assembly in Raleigh. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.

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