Ronnie Nance

Gaffney, SC - - Ronald “Ronnie” Dee Nance, 59, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026 at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, hard work, and deep compassion for both people and animals.

Born in Gaffney, he was the husband of Melanie Love Nance and the son of the late Curtis Wayne Nance, Sr. and Gloria Adams Nance, was raised by his step-parents, the late Gayle Wallace and Billy O. Wallace. He worked for the United Post Office in Gaffney, where his strong work ethic, dependability, integrity reflected the character he carried throughout his life. He was a graduate of Gaffney High School and Limestone College. He served in the Army National Guard before later enlisting in the United States Navy, where he proudly served abroad the John C. Calhoun submarine for six years. Ronnie was a member of New Zion Methodist Church and later began attending Kings Mountain Chapel Methodist Church. Although his illness eventually prevented him from attending services, his relationship with his Lord remained strong and constant.

Above else, he loved the Lord and faithfully walked with Him. Even as illness brought years of pain and constant medical challenges, Ronnie never lost his trust in God. He will be remembered for his compassion and love he shared with his family, friends, and every animal fortunate enough to know him. His example reminds us that true faith is demonstrated not only in words, but in the way we endure life’s challenges with trust in God.

He had a special gift with animals that earned him the nickname, the “Cat and Dog Whisperer”. His gentle spirit and deep love for God’s creatures were evidence to everyone. He was also an avid Gamecock fan. He enjoyed driving his Jeep and watching golf, baseball and football.

In addition to his wife, also surviving are two brothers, Donald Nance and Christopher Nance, both of Gaffney; two step-sisters, Kim Wallace Bolin (Chuck) and Cindy Wallace Childers (Charles), both of Gaffney; his step-grandfather, James Kinard of Cowpens; his aunts, Vickie Pierce of Spartanburg and Deborah Davis of Gaffney. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Curtis Nance, and his step-grandmother, Margaret Kinard.

The family will receive friends from 3:00PM until 4:00PM on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Blakely Funeral Home. Funeral services will immediately follow at 4:00PM in the Blakely Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Monica Tilley officiating. Interment will be in Frederick Memorial Gardens with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, 686 Jeff Davis Drive, Spartanburg, SC, 29303 or National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 3101 Industrial Drive, Suite-210, Raleigh, NC, 27609.

The family will be at the residence.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC