Ronald Edwin Metz

December 14, 1932 - May 28, 2022

Ronald Edwin Metz, born December 14, 1932, in Parkersburg, WV, passed away May 28, 2022.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Nancy; one of his four brothers, Bob (Delores); three sisters-in-law, Cheryl, Lea, and Darlene; his children, Michael, Sandi (Amy), Andrew (Laurie), and Bryan (Christy) Knight; grandsons, Collin (Kallie), Connor Metz, Ethan, Gavin, and Ashlee Kathleen Knight. He was blessed with two great-grandsons, Casen and Keegan Metz.

Ron enlisted in the Army at the age of 15 and served in Korea (1950-1951). When he returned to WV, he began a career in newspaper printing and was moved to Florida to be the production manager of the Cape Coral Breeze. From there he started Quality Typesetting from which he retired.

During his working years, he became an avid blood donor (free sandwiches were an incentive) and an active Rotarian, becoming President of the Cape Coral Rotary 1981-1982. He coordinated the fundraising effort, partly through pledges from Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, for a new Bloodmobile for the Edison Regional and Charlotte County Blood Centers.

Upon retirement, Ron began volunteering at the Cape Coral Caring Center food pantry and spent nearly 25 years as a regular. He was a convener of “breaks” and was always ready with hugs. For over 10 years Ron and three of his friends cooked and served dinner twice a month at a church near downtown Fort Myers to people struggling with housing.

Ron loved music and sang bass, sharing his gift from the time he was a boy throughout adulthood, in barbershop groups and church choirs, quartets, and duets. Camping was also a life-long joy, from tenting to RV-ing. Some of his happiest times were around a campfire toasting marshmallows.

He leaves a hole in our hearts that can’t be filled.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at Grace Central UMC, 2415 Grand Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901. Interment will be at Sarasota National Cemetery.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Diana Rae Chan Jun 2, 2022 at 2:05 pm

    Oh Ron. I could always count on you as one of my regular basses in church choir. And if you didn’t “get” the notes, Nancy made sure to rehearse you! Cherished playing for you and Nancy’s duets, as well as the wonderful quartet.
    Be sure to join that heavenly choir, I heard they are in need of a few good basses. Until we meet again…Diana

  2. Jamie Schwartzott Jun 2, 2022 at 2:14 pm

    Dearest Nancy and Family,
    Although I had only met Ron recently I immediately saw his gentle nature and love for others. He is home now and watching over y’all. The precious memories of his life will never leave your hearts. Praying that you feel God’s hands holding you during this difficult time.

  3. Peggy White Jun 2, 2022 at 2:22 pm

    I will always remember Ron’s beautiful voice and smiling face. However, most of all I will remember Ron’s love for Jesus. Ron will truly be missed!

  4. Joyce Hearl Jun 2, 2022 at 3:56 pm

    Sorry to hear of your loss, Nancy. May God give you & your family strength and comfort at this time.

  5. Rhonda and Ed Drass Jun 2, 2022 at 4:37 pm

    We are so sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. He was so much fun in church choir at Grace. We will miss him.

  6. Bob Baldi Jun 2, 2022 at 7:13 pm

    Ron, my shoes will never be big enough to fill yours! Your legacy will live on. Thanks again for your service and contribution to many..

  7. Sandy and Bob Baldi Jun 2, 2022 at 7:13 pm

    Beautifully written Nancy! Ron was down to earth! Bob and I always enjoyed his company ! He will be missed!

  8. Debbie Valente Jun 2, 2022 at 7:45 pm

    Dear Nancy,
    So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was a kind soul, and he had an amazing life with a very loving family. Peace be with you.
    Bill, Debbie and Zeus

  9. Susan Caple Jun 2, 2022 at 8:44 pm

    Praying for you Nancy (and your whole family) as you grieve the loss of your dear husband. His gentle and kind spirit was so obvious. I know your heart will miss him every day- I’m asking God to give you a great comfort as you continue to draw close to Him❤️❤️❤️

  10. Bob and Dee Metz Jun 2, 2022 at 10:52 pm

    You will always be in our hearts, we miss you and love you.
    Bob and Dee Metz

  11. Dorraine & John Wolfe & Family Jun 3, 2022 at 12:59 pm

    Prayers are with You All at your time of loss.
    He will be Greatly Missed
    4 Brothers being Rotten together again.

  12. Marty Helfand Jun 3, 2022 at 3:36 pm

    Nancy, thank you and Ron for sharing wonderful memories with our families and teaching us both arms hugs and helping g others and in turn helping each other, know Ron is still looking after us all, Ron will always be missed and remembered, Marty (Gebing Hecox ) Helfand and families

  13. Tom Ratkovich Jun 4, 2022 at 6:29 am

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

  14. Chris Strine Jun 6, 2022 at 6:42 am

    So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. We met when he hired me to work at the Breeze years ago. He was a good man, and I always considered him a good friend. I miss our lunches with the group, and enjoyed his stories about RVing across the country. He will be missed.

  15. John Isaia Jun 6, 2022 at 9:59 am

    Prayers, thoughts and condolences, Nancy at Ron’s passing. God’s strength and peace.

  16. Charles and Lois Polstra Jun 6, 2022 at 4:04 pm

    We remember great times with you both at Leesburg and Lake Junaluska Mature Years retreats and conferences.
    Ron was always ready to help you with all your duties, Nancy. We know he is at peace in his heavenly home and truly
    missed by all his family and friends. Didn’t realize he was 2 years younger than Charles.

  17. Beth Bostrom Jun 6, 2022 at 4:07 pm

    Sending so much love to Nancy and the family, and lifting you all in prayer. What a beautiful witness to his life of love and service you’ve shared here. I know you have so many beautiful memories and stories, and I hope to hear some of them. I’m sorry for the hurt of this moment. And grateful for the good times you shared. Wishing you some peace and rest in these days of ache.

  18. David Ames Jun 6, 2022 at 4:56 pm

    Nancy , God’s peace and my condolences. May the sadness of missing Rons presence be washed away by assurance of his company with Jesus.

  19. Manuel Del Sol Jun 7, 2022 at 1:09 pm

    Always with a smile that is how I will always remember him. We shared great stories over the years. Indeed it was a pleasure and a privilege to have meet this friend.

  20. Elaine Jun 10, 2022 at 9:05 am

    Dear Nancy
    I will always remember the time you and Ron sang the “Andy” song and we all cheered when you sang In the Garden.
    He was also supportive when one of “our ladies “ needed with something at their homes (new porch) etc
    I am so very sorry for your loss
    I will be at the service tomorrow if I can find the place
    Elaine Davis

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