Ronald Wayne Violette

Ronald W. "Ron" Violette, 78, died peacefully at his home on September 5, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, after living with bladder cancer for eight years.

Ron is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jane Cochran Violette, a devoted and lifelong companion. High school sweethearts, Ron and Jane built a life together that ultimately spanned more than half a century.

He is also survived by his daughter, Ronda Caroline Violette of Lewisville, North Carolina; her spouse, Keith Walter; and their children, William and Wellesley Walter; Margaret Walter of Brooklyn, New York; and Brad Walter of Boone, North Carolina. He is further survived by his son, John Judson "Jud" Violette of Matthews, North Carolina; Jud's spouse, Amy Schultz Violette; and their children, AnnaLeigh Violette and Asher Schultz. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Gary Lynn Violette, of San Diego, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley Frances Violette and Callie Rice Violette, and by his sister, Sandra Violette Jones, all of Concord, North Carolina.

A proud alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ron's allegiance to the Tar Heels lasted a lifetime. He was equally steadfast in his devotion to the Dodgers. Later in life, tennis became another enduring passion. He found particular enjoyment in officiating and spent many years as a USTA umpire, an avocation he continued until a stroke and aphasia made it impossible for him to remain on the court in that role.

Ron spent his professional life in public education, first as an instructor in various roles at UNC Chapel Hill, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Memphis. He later worked as an administrator with Cabarrus County Schools, where he devoted many years to the work of public education and the community it served.

Ron's life was shaped by things to which he remained remarkably loyal: his pride in his children and grandchildren, the Tar Heels, the Dodgers, tennis, and the life he and Jane began together as teenagers and shared for more than 56 years.

The family will hold a private celebration of Ron's life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to support cancer research or to the charity of your choice.