Ronald Edward Brookbank

Ronald Edward Brookbank, age 66, of Snow Camp, NC died Sunday, March 11, 2012 at his home, "The Country", surrounded by his loving family. Ronnie was born on September 21, 1945 in Liberty, NC. He was the only child of Wilbur Francis (Bill) and Stella Ava McBane Brookbank. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1963. Ronnie served in the US Marine Reserves (Sergeant E-5) from 1966-1972. He worked in the steel fabrication industry as a structural steel draftsman/designer for 45 years. Employers include Carolina Steel, Steel and Pipe, Paschal Machinery, Contract Steel, Basic Machinery, Cofab Steel and New Ventures Drafting. Ronnie was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Siler City, NC and Gideon's International. Funeral services will be at First Baptist Church, Siler City, NC on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 2:00 pm with burial to follow at Bethlehem Wesleyan Church in Snow Camp, NC. Reverends Tony Capehart and James Wall will be officiating. Visitation will be at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home on Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 7-9 pm and other times at the home. Ronnie is survived by his wife of 46 years Sharon Seals Brookbank, daughter Angela Burgess (husband Sam) of Greensboro, NC and Kelly Brookbank (husband Keith Fox) of Delray Beach, FL. Other survivors are grandsons Carson and Andrew Burgess, granddaughter Lela Skye Fox, and step-brothers Charles and Larry Hursey. He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Ava and his step-mother Daisy Hursey Brookbank. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church of Siler City, Gideon's International, MahaShakti Foundation, Inc. (daughter Kelly's Foundation that brings Yoga and Music therapy to the underprivileged) or Bradley's Fun for All Playground (at Hagan Stone Park in Greensboro). The family offers a special thank you for the care given Ronnie during his last days to the physicians and staff of the 8th Bed Tower at UNC Memorial Hospital and Liberty Hospice. Whether enjoying a Carolina ballgame, participating in exercise class, witnessing to inmates, sharing fellowship with friends, or spending time with his family, Ronnie was a man who truly loved life and will be greatly missed by all. Semper Fi. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.