Ronald Arthur Kratz

Ronald Arthur Kratz, 71, of 7235 Hwy 86 South in Yanceyville, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at Danville Regional Medical Center in Danville, VA. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, March 25, at Kings Highway Christian Church in Eden, NC. Mr. Kratz was born February 10, 1940 in Philadelphia, PA, son of the late Arthur and Gertrude Neville Kratz. He was a graduate of Bristol High School and moved to Danville, VA in 1959. He was a retiree of Goodyear after 32 years of service. After his retirement he remained active with the retirees. He enjoyed travelling and camping, in particular at the beach. He was considered by those that love him to be a "child at heart" and during his visits to Myrtle Beach he enjoyed visiting Broadway at the Beach where there is a carousel and organ, whose music brought back fond childhood memories of the carousels and organs he heard growing up in the coastal areas up north. Mr. Kratz built his own home many years ago and loved working in his yard and caring for his garden which brought forth vegetables that he enjoyed canning. He was also a collector of Lionel Trains. Surviving is his wife, Shirley Patterson Kratz of the home; daughter, Teresa Kratz Fuquay and husband, Phillip; son, Ronald "Ronnie" Kratz, Jr.; step-daughter, Cinith Reece Howington and husband, Roger; step-son, Thomas A. Reece, III; 10 grandchildren; sister, Virginia Kratz Sharrow and husband, Raymond; niece Beth Sharrow Edwards; and nephew, Randy Sharrow. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two step-daugthers, Michele Reece Surratt and Hollis Reece Hooper. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at Kings Highway Christian Church and other times at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to Kings Highway Christian Church, 417 West Kings Highway, Eden, NC 27288. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com