The world lost a beautiful soul when Ronnie Lee Floyd, 85 of Wake Forest passed away October 05, 2026.

Ronnie was born April 02, 1941, in Northampton County to the late Fenton and Rena Floyd. Ronnie is preceded in death by his wife, Elsie (Polly) Floyd, his stepdaughter Sylvia Keilberg, his older sister Jean Faye Pearson, his younger brother Mack Floyd. Also, his beloved fur baby Kitty Kat (KK).

Ronnie aka Bubba is survived by his younger sister Joyce Bacot (Tom)and his baby sister Brenda Rogers and his younger brother Randy Floyd (Betty). Also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also, he is survived and greatly missed by his daughter Tiffany Floyd (Johnny) and his precious fur kitties Lucy and Charlie.

Ronnie served his country in the United States Navy. He loved being a sailor and traveling the world while in the Navy and also learned many skills while he worked in the bottom of the ship being a boiler man. He was very conscientious about his job despite it being hot, loud and constant.

In recent years, he was a member of the American Legion in Wake Forest Post 187 and was even Historian for a few years before his health changed he also loved being a veteran at the WF legion where he enjoyed volunteering for all kinds of activities such as preparing sausage for monthly Pancake Breakfast, distributing Poppies in May, helping on Saturdays at the WF Farmers Market, helping at the monthly Red Cross Blood Drive, attending monthly Flag Raising that honors a deceased veteran and other various activities. It was jokingly said that he kept showing up to help so that is why he was nominated to the Executive Board. He just loved being part of legion and doing good deeds to help other people and being part of the legion.

Ronnie was a man of true grace, grit and goodness. He had the greatest smile, sense of humor and always a great attitude towards life and people. He was a natural helper of people and a natural builder and fixer of whatever needed to be repaired. His hands and mind always needed be working. Even as his health declined and he had to give up so many activities, hobbies and normal life that we take for granted but he still needed to keep those hands moving. He had the strongest hands ever. A grip like no other. He was also a great cook but he had to give up cooking along with driving his beloved Old Blue Chevy.

He enjoyed watching PBS Nova, Star Trek as he loved all things space and science as he was also a big fan of Nicolas Tesla. And the Class Prophecy from his senior yearbook was where it was predicted he would be Professor Floyd who was the brains behind the Vanguard Rocket as before he was taking off for his home on the moon. He never made it to the moon, but he definitely made Earth a better place for those who knew him.

Despite life circumstances that prevented him from going to traditional college, he never lacked in smarts as his former coworker/friend at IBM said "Ronnie was always the smartest person around but did not always get appreciated as much as he deserved." As that was also truly Ronnie. He was humble, kind and very hard working. But he was not about pretense or brown-nosing as he called it. He worked while other folks talked.

Ronnie also loved Carolina Panthers, ham and shortwave radios and refurbishing antique radios and had CB radio in his truck back in the day. He gained a reputation for repairing radios and TVs. He had no classical training in carpentry other than inheriting his father's skills and what he learned in shop in high school as he built workshop table, desk, shelves and cedar chest which are all still worked well.

Ronnie was steady anchor of his family. He was a provider and caregiver to his wife Polly for many years before her passing. He was also a great Daddy to his daughter Tiffany. He was a great Big Bubba to his sisters and brothers. He was a forgiving son to his parents who made him and his sibling's childhood more challenging than necessary but as his sisters said, "it made them the people they are today which is full of grit and determination. Ronnie always seem to forgive the wrongdoings of other people's actions. He did not let it make him bitter but only better.

His hospital visits in January 2026 weakened much of his physical mobility as they deconditioned him when they drugged him to keep him from being fidgety and getting up to walk. As he was taken to hospital for fainting and possible infection thinking the hospital would help him. Instead, they caused harm and blamed family for bringing him to the hospital. As he ended up in assisted living care home for 6 months as hospital took away his mobility and other independent habits despite him having cognitive challenges, he had been very much able to get around well and do most things for himself with the assistance of his daughter. And the rehab spent between hospital and assisted living did not help him only made things worse that hospital started.

Ronnie leaves a legacy of grace, kindness, forgiveness, humility, strength and determination. His last few years were very hard as he lost his ability to speak but he still was able show his humor and sweetness despite the struggles he had to deal with day in and day out.

Special thanks to his neighbors Coy and Jason Brewer for helping Tiffany so many times with yard work and car help and moving heavy things. Also, special thanks to Johnny Hanna and Crystal Baker for being there in the last 12 days of Ronnie's life and helping Tiffany go through the hospice process at the Transitions Hospice in Raleigh, NC.

The family will receive friends Monday October 19, 2026, from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Services. A graveside service will be held following visitation at the Dickens Floyd Family Cemetery with Pastor Jason Yeatts officiating. Also, a memorial is being planned for early November in Wake Forest to honor Ronnie for being a great person. The coming details will be listed on the Bright Funeral Home and Cremation in Wake Forest, NC.

Flowers are accepted or if you would like to donate to any of the following organizations in honor of Ronnie is always appreciated. Wake Forest American Legion Post 187 Wake Forest, Transitions Hospice in Raleigh, or adopt a kitten or give to Safe Haven in Raleigh, NC. Also, Ronnie would say adopt a dog especially a Border Collie.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.