He was born on September 28, 1964 in Meadville, PA, the son of W. Richard and Ella K. McGarvey.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Tammy McGarvey; his daughter, Lydia Dalby (Caleb); his son, Samuel McGarvey; his brothers, Richard McGarvey (Lea), Robert McGarvey (Kim), Randall McGarvey (Denise) and Jonathan McGarvey (Tammy).
Growing up he enjoyed spending time with his brothers, camping, and running his paper route. In school he played cello, participated in musical theater and ran cross-country. Ron graduated from H.W. Schroeder High School in 1982 and attended Houghton College to study computer science. While there, he also sang in the college choir. While attending college, Ron met Tammy Newton and they married July 16, 1988.
After graduation, Ron worked for Xerox Corporation until being called, with Tammy, into Bible Translation with Wycliffe Bible Translators. He served in Wycliffe for 18 years at the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, NC first as a programmer, then in program testing, and finally as a business analyst until God led them out of the organization in 2014. Recently he has worked as a business analyst for Wells Fargo Bank.
Ron has served the Waxhaw community for almost 20 years as a Fireman/EMT and Captain with the Waxhaw Volunteer Fire Department.
Ron loved working outside, camping, gardening, biking, running, working out, being with his family, smiling, laughing, and serving.
Ron was servanthood exemplified. Whether that was at the WVFD, his church, where he served in several different capacities, or with his family, his heart was to serve.
A service to celebrate Ronald's life will be held 4:00pm Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Cane Creek Park Amphitheater, 5213 Harkey Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173. Memorial Contributions may be given with a note in memory of Ron to Mission India, PO Box 141312, Grand Rapids, MI 49514-1312 or by visiting Missionindia.org., or to support Financial Peace University classes, give to Five Stones Church, 1117 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173 in memory of Ron or you can give on their Webpage, https://www.fivestoneschurch.com/ . Click on the “Next Steps” tab, then “Giving”, then “Give Now” There will be a drop down menu under “Fund” where you can choose "McGarvey Memorial Fund.” Finally, you can remember Ron thru Samaritan's Purse at:https://fundraise.samaritanspurse.org/fundraiser/3279165.
The service is available through video/livestream via the Waxhaw VFD FB page: https://www.facebook.com/waxhawvfd/
McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to serve the family of Mr. McGarvey.
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