Ronald Jackson Mullen, or 'Ron', as he was fondly called, loved people. He never met a stranger and was a devoted husband, loving father, supportive brother, fun uncle, caring friend, and active citizen.

Ronald was gifted to us on May 20, 1945 in Norfolk, Virginia. It was in Norfolk that he learned to love the beach, seafood, and soul music. During his formative years, Ronald achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He also graduated from Booker T. Washington High School where a science project sparked his interest in computer system design and electrical systems.

Ronald pursued this interest and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from N.C. Agricultural & Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. His love of his alma mater made attending his 50th college class reunion in 2017 one of the highlights of his time as an alumnus. The rest were spent celebrating Aggie football victories at stadiums and on television.

As he reached adulthood, Ronald responded to the call of service from the United States Army with three years assigned to Vung Tau Air Base in Vietnam. During his time in the military, Ron expanded his knowledge of the world, collecting new stories, friends, and favorite dishes. Upon returning to the United States, Ronald furthered his education by earning a Master of Science degree in Computer Programming from the State University of New York in Binghamton. While attending SUNY Binghamton and working at the IBM Corporation, Ron joined the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He remained an active member and esteemed "Omega Man" for forty-nine years. After thirty-five years of technical work in the areas of electronics and process controls, Ronald retired as an Advisory Engineer with IBM.

Ronald strongly believed in lending a helping hand, so much of his time was spent volunteering around his new home, Charlotte, NC. As a long-time member of First United Presbyterian Church, he served as a Deacon, an Elder, and on various committees. He also had the pleasure of being a member of the Charlotte Swanks, Inc. Ron served the Swanks as President and took on other roles as well. At the time of his passing, Ronald was the longest tenured member of that organization.

It is without a doubt, though, that Ronald would state that his greatest achievement in life was obtaining the hand of his wife and "buddy", Martha, whom he lavishly loved with homemade cards on every occasion, flowers for any reason, and long, laughter filled chats. He enjoyed sharing his love of education, music, baking, technology, humor, personal growth, sports, and service with their daughters and graciously greeted every friend of his "three ladies" with sincere kindness and joy. He also enjoyed sharing carefully planned celebratory meals and attentive and uplifting calls and messages with all of his large family. Ron had friends of all ages and outwardly showed them his appreciation, most often with baked goods which were usually homemade with love.

Ronald was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice McClease and a sister, Lisa Spruill.  He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Martha Mullen; his daughters, Melanie and Veronica; sisters, Cynthia Romney, Joyce McClease, Lisa McClease, and Pamela McClease; brother, Andrew McClease; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.