After a life full of love, Ronald Eugene Pethel, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026 at the age of 75 at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson, SC.

Ron is survived by his wife Jean McCown Pethel, his children Carol Elizabeth Pethel (Michael Brue) and Andrew Allman Pethel (Megan), his two grandchildren Bryson Pethel and Liam Brue, his sister Bonnie Pethel, his brothers-in-law Fred McCown III (Debbie), Dr. Andy McCown (Dr. Donna Dixon), and John McCown (Elaine) and his sister-in-law Nan Martin (Marty). He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Juanita Pethel.

Born on February 16, 1951, in Concord, NC, Ron was captain of his high school football team, president of his senior class, active in his local Beta Club, avid sports fan and participant in track and field. He attended Wingate College and Appalachian State University to earn a degree in Business Administration. He eventually settled in Anderson, SC where he met his wife and best friend of 49 years and built a life filled with love, joy, and countless cherished memories while working as a logistics manager at Roadway Express, Stauffer Chemical Company, and Vytech Industries for over 40 years until retirement.

His family was his greatest source of happiness and inspiration. He enjoyed family trips to the Great Smokey Mountains, Cades Cove and Dollywood, snowtubing in Boone, the beaches of Port St. Joe and the Caymen Islands, fishing and boating on Lake Hartwell, and gardening. He loved seafood boils and cookouts at his daughter's house and JeepFest and hunting trips with his son. He especially enjoyed his afternoon Can-Am rides around the farm with his wife and grandsons.

Ron touched the lives of many through his kindness, grace, and unwavering loyalty. He will be remembered for his steadfast faith, generous heart, and deep love for God. His legacy of integrity and devotion, quiet strength, and selflessness will live on in the lives of those he touched. Ron would want his family and friends to not mourn his passing but to be happy for an active life lived to the fullest. So, be joyful, smile, laugh, and in his words, "Head 'em up, move 'em out!"

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 2:00-2:45 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 pm in the Chapel with Rev. John Davis officiating. The service will be available for viewing via live streaming on the funeral home website. Burial will follow at New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rainey Hospice House, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621 or Cancer Association of Anderson, 215 E Calhoun St, Anderson, SC 29621.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM