Ronald Wells Gulledge, 78, died on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025 at his home surrounded by family.
Born in Hamlet to Herman Wells Gulledge and Margaret Brooks Gulledge on April 10, 1947, Ron was warm and outgoing, putting others at ease.
He played football for Hamlet High School and was beloved by a host of childhood friends who remained close throughout their lives.
From 1968 to 1971, he served in the United States Air Force with a one-year tour in Vietnam. While serving his first year in Dover, Delaware, he visited the local Wesley College. Fortune was on his side that day; he met and fell in love with Cindy Goodridge, and they were married in Hamlet in 1970. After living their first year of married life at Eglin Air Force Base in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, they returned to Hamlet to live and raise their sons, Wells and Mark.
Ron worked alongside his father at Gulledge Auto Sales before beginning his career in 1984 with the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. He retired as an inspector with the License and Theft Bureau.
In 1993, Ron and Cindy moved from Hamlet to the house they built on Ledbetter Lake in Rockingham. There, they fished, boated, hosted cookouts, and welcomed friends and family to enjoy the water and the beautiful view. Ron loved cruising the lake at the helm of his War Eagle and pontoon boat with family and friends.
Enormously proud of his two sons and their accomplishments, he equally embraced his daughters-in-law and adored his role as Pop Pop to his three beautiful grandchildren. He also showered love onto his many nieces and nephews. He adored his older brother Brooks, and they shared their love of Tar Heel sports and devotion to family.
A dog lover, Ron was the “best friend” of the many boxers he and Cindy had over the years, and he was especially fond of his Bichon Frise named Buddy, a loyal constant by his side, especially during the latter stages of his illness.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy; his sons Wells and Mark; his daughters-in-law, Dawnn and Felisia; and his grandchildren, Brinkley, Baker and Carley.
A celebration of life will be held privately.
A warm thank you is extended to caregivers: Peggy Covington, Amy Bicot, Richmond County Hospice and Mabry’s Home Care.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made in memory of Ron to First United Methodist Church, 300 Charlotte St., Hamlet, NC 28345, where he was a lifetime member; or Richmond County Hospice, 1119 U.S. Hwy. 1 N., Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Gulledge family.
