Ronald E. Lightholder, 80, of Palm Bay, Florida and formerly of Carthage, NY, passed away on November 9, 2023, at home, while under the care of his daughter Erica and hospice.

Ronnie was born on April 14,1943 in Watertown, the son of Edward and Arvilla (Minkler) Lightholder. He attended school at Augustinian Academy and Carthage High School. On Oct. 5,1960, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served from 1960 to 1966. Upon returning from the military, he joined the Plumbers and Steamfitter Local 73.

On May 20, 1967, he married Donna Pound of Carthage and later, their marriage ended in divorce. Ronnie traveled while working for a few years within his trade. This gave him the opportunity for many adventures. The Coast Guard gave him the taste of travel and he was hooked.

On Oct. 25,1978, Ronnie married Sandra Leeson, and they settled in Carthage. He then purchased a gas station and ran an auto body restoration shop/ gas station/ tire shop. Business was great. Ronnie had a place for all his friends to gather and talk; something Ronnie was so very good at. However, after some years, Ronnie felt the need to travel again. Off to California they went. He retired from the City of Escondido, California, then leaving California and making Florida and the north country his final homes.

Ronnie was always looking for adventure, and water was his greatest love, whether on a surfboard or his Hobie Cat. His other love was traveling and restoring his classic cars, his latest and last, was a 1957 Chevy wagon which he was extremely proud of.

He is survived by his wife: Sandra, his children: daughter; Erica Lightholder Davis, sons; Sean (Sonya),  Ian and Ryan Lightholder, his grandchildren, Dustin, Kaela, Nathen, Foster, Seanna Rae, Colin, and Dylan, and seven great grandchildren, his sisters: Faye (Jeff) Lamar), Gaye (Rich) Shatraw, Janet (Dana)Hickey, Joanne (Rodger)Grace, and his step siblings; Ginger (Mark) Favret, Cliff Gates and Kenneth (Joan) Gates. Ronnie was predeceased by his father, Edward Lightholder, stepmother, Mable Lightholder, mother, Arvilla (Lightholder) Gates, stepfather Charles Clifford Gates, and stepsister, Maureen Gates.

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