Ronald Fate Hollifield

Ronald Fate Hollifield, 85, of Marion, NC passed away Sunday, October 11th 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC

He was a good and faithful man who fought his battle with courage and strength. When his fight was finally over, God placed his hand upon his soul and called him home, saying 'You have fought your fight and now it is time to rest.'

A native of McDowell County, he was born January 20th, 1941 to the late Leroy Hollifield and Geneva Finley Hollifield.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helga Hollifield; daughter, Patricia Hollifield O'Loughlin; brother, Zelotes Finley; and sister, Maxine Chandler.

Ronald was a member of Faith Mission Baptist Church. He served honorably in the United States Army for 22 years and retired as Master Sargent. He enlisted in the Army in 1960 and had to serve in the Vietnam War in 1965, in which he achieved numerous awards and medals. Among those awards, one of the ones he was most proud of was the Army Commendation Medal which was awarded to him for his meritorious service as a Motor Sargent in the 59th Field Service Company of the 96th Supply and Service Battalion during his service in the Vietnam War.

After his retirement in 1982, he returned back home to Marion, NC and used his GI Bill to achieve an Associates Degree at McDowell Technical Community College. He graduated with high honors and was offered a position as Chief Maintenance Coordinator at MTCC which he maintained for 20 years. He taught HVAC and he completed specialized training and certifications in hydraulics. He was a man of many skills; if you broke it, he fixed it.

Those left to cherish his memory are two children: Geneva Reece (Scott) and Ronald Hollifield (Patricia); Grandchildren: Travis Barber, Preston Hollifield (Emma), Lauren Wacaster (Josh), Gina Wetmore (Justin), Joshua Hollifield; and his Great-Grandchildren: Amaya Hernandez, Mason Wacaster, Aayla Hollifield, Ellie Wetmore, Jackson Parker, Nola Hollifield, Arizona Laws, and Paisley Laws.
Siblings: Ruth Nix, Lilla Mace (Smokey), Lola Warren, Jerry Hollifield (Janice), Archie Hollifield (Regina), Leroy Hollifield (Noame) Along with many other nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Thursday October 15th, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Beam Funeral Service. A funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Jim Ledford officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery.