Ronald Joseph Hazel, Sr.

Ronald Joseph Hazel, Sr, 83, of Roxboro, NC passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

Born January 20, 1940, in Lewes, Delaware, he was the youngest child of the late Lewis Rodney Burton Hazel and Sarah Josephine (Ash) Hazel.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Shirley Martin Hazel, three sisters; Katherine Craig (Milford, DE), Ruth Edgens (Lewes, DE), Marcela Horner (Roxboro, NC), and 2 brothers; George Rodney Hazel (Roxboro, NC) and Ralph Hazel (Washington, PA).

Ronald is survived by his two sons, Jay Hazel (Kim) of Roxboro, Rodney Hazel (Lisa) of Greensboro, six grandchildren: Caroline and Kenley Hazel of Roxboro, Kirby Hazel Jethro (Bennett) of Durham, Spencer Hazel of Greensboro, Morgan and Parker Hazel of Charlotte. He has one surviving sister Betty Ann Connor (Milton, DE).

Ronald lost both parents by the age of 17, and soon after entered the United States Marine Corp in 1958.  He faithfully and patriotically performed his duties earning an Honorable Discharge in 1962. He was proud to serve his country and spoke often of the opportunity it gave him to grow up, establish discipline, and travel abroad to places he would have otherwise never seen.                                   

Working in the food distribution business his entire life, Ronald had an entrepreneurial spirit.  Recognizing an opportunity in the market, he started his own meat distributing company (Carolina Meat Distributors, Inc.) in 1976 that served nine counties in the northern Piedmont area of North Carolina. After 30 years, he retired in 2006.

Ronald was a faithful member and leader of the Clement Baptist Church congregation for more than 60 years, taking on many responsibilities. He served as a Deacon and on various boards and committees where elected or needed.  He always enjoyed the Senior Adult trips to scenic or educational sites.  He was especially proud of being an integral part of the church expanding its physical structure and upgrading its transportation.  He believed both initiatives would benefit the entire church family and support congregational growth.  A good portion of his life and time was focused on Clement Baptist Church.      

Ronald adored his six grandchildren.  They affectionately referred to him as “Grandman” (short for The Granddaddy Man).  He cherished the opportunities to pick them up from school or take them to breakfast or lunch any day of the week.  He also looked forward to his visits with the grandchildren living out of town and treasured these opportunities to impart an inspiring life message. He was a patient and kind grandfather, always listening, and understanding what they were experiencing in every stage of their young lives.  He never failed in communicating a life lesson through an encouraging word or illustration. 

Celebration of Life services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Clement Baptist Church with Pastor Glen Warren officiating.  A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Clement Baptist Church, 8480 Burlington Road, Hurdle Mills, NC 27541. 

Arrangements are by Strickland and Jones Memorial Funeral Services, 1810 Durham, Road, Roxboro, NC 27573.  Online condolences may be made at stricklandandjonesfs.com.

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