Ronald Glenn Haston

Ronald Glenn Haston CHARLOTTE - Ronald Glenn Haston went to heaven Tuesday night, December 23, 2014, ending his hard-fought battle with lung cancer. A man of legendary will, patience and strength, he waited until his wife and three children were all by his side. He carried himself with such character and personality consistently through his life that he was given meaningful nicknames over the years, most notably "Papa Ron," and most recently during his grandfather years he was known as "Pops." Ron was predeceased by his parents William "Glenn" and Harriett Turner Haston. He leaves behind his three siblings, Johnny, Brenda Livingston and Donnie; wife, Billie; five children, Travis (and Karmin), Trent (and Ragan) and Taylor Jean; and five grandchildren, Garrett, Tatum, Logan, Rowan and Piper. He was an American, a Marine, and a Vietnam veteran. Never a man of fanfare, he frequently said, "it was my job and duty." He served two tours in Vietnam, receiving a Purple Heart amongst other medals. He loved Charlotte, North Carolina, and The United States of America. By trade, he was a carpenter, superb craftsman, general contractor, and successful businessman. He carried out this trade over his life as an owner, partner and leader at Charlotte-based Andrew Roby, Inc. As a former employee wrote to the family yesterday, "somehow he pulled off simultaneously being the toughest and kindest person I ever met." As a man, he was proud and humble. He simply loved life. Papa Ron was a father, mentor and friend to a countless number of people who surely shed tears over many memories today. The love of his life was his high school sweetheart, Billie. She stood by his side during two Vietnam tours, marrying him in between. 45 years of marriage brought a blossoming love and a close-knit family. Just as she stood by him during his Vietnam days, she did the same during his final battle with cancer. Her strength and love carried him through. Papa Ron lived conservatively and did not "want." By this, when he found something or someone he liked, he allowed his loyalty to shine. This included the Catawba River, specifically Bright Rd., where he built his home place with his own hands in 1978. Though conservative and discerning in his purchases, he believed that you "get what you pay for," and though it always took years too long to decide to spend money, when he spent it, he paid for great quality and value. This resonated in his flare for quality, style and fashion. He loved a good steak and Friday night family dinners at Outback. He had a love for all things chocolate, and Oreo cookies, sweet tea and Orange Slices will always make us think of him. Ron was so giving. He loved others as much as any person on earth. He never judged or threw stones. With this came humor. He was known for his one-liners, corny jokes, and making others smile. He loved and lived life to the fullest. He has peacefully left this earth knowing his sons Travis and Trent have fully embraced the responsibility and leadership needed for Roby to be a successful business. And, he was able to see his daughter Taylor graduate from residency as an E.R. doctor this past May, which was one of his proudest moments. We cherish this man's memory and legend with all the love in our hearts as a family, business, and community! We are at peace. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2014, at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at 2pm, followed by a receiving of friends by the family at 3pm, 7407 Steele Creek Road, 28217. Donations may be made in his memory to either Lung Cancer Research through the American Cancer Society or Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western North Carolina. Arrangements are in the care of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service; please share condolences online at www.hankinswhittington.com.