Ronnie Ray Marley

Ronnie Ray Marley, 70, of Advance, also known as “Leo,” passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, in Forsyth County.

Born on July 28, 1955, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Ronnie was the son of the late James Ray Marley and Barbara Lee Batton Marley Hollis. He lived a life filled with creativity, compassion, and deep devotion to those he loved.

Ronnie was known for his love of flower gardening and the special joy he found in caring for animals. He enjoyed dancing, cooking meals for family and friends, watching the birds outside his home, and expressing himself through painting. His gentle spirit and appreciation for life’s simple beauties touched everyone who knew him. His cherished furry companion, Max, held a special place in his heart.

Family meant everything to Ronnie. He made the heartfelt decision to move from Atlanta, Georgia, back to North Carolina to be closer to his loved ones. While living in Atlanta, he was a proud member of Dragons L/L 1991, where he formed lasting friendships and meaningful connections. Above all else, Ronnie absolutely loved his family and treasured every moment spent with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved significant other of many years, Ricky Turner.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Sharon Marley Hege (Henry) of Lexington; his step-sister, Pamela Beiermeister of Germanton; his half-sister, Suzette Marley Davis of Winston-Salem; his uncles, Clyde Marley of Mechanicsville, VA and Jeff Small of Wilmington; his nieces, Stefanie Grubbs Canady (Craig) of Lexington and Brooke Davis of Ohio; and his great-nephews, Trace Canady and Deacon Marley Canady. He is also survived by special family members Chip and Stephony Grubbs, Chris and Jessica Grubbs, and his special friend, Michael Maxwell.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Davidson Funeral Home of Lexington. A graveside service to honor Ronnie’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel.

Ronnie will be remembered for his warm heart, creative spirit, unwavering love for his family, and the joy he found in the beauty of everyday life. His memory will live on in the gardens he tended, the art he created, and the countless lives he touched.