"We are very saddened to hear of Ron's passing. The Kays family is very special to us, and we have many wonderful memories of our time with them. Our prayers are with the family at this time of loss, but know they are comforted in the assurance that he is resting in the arms of Jesus."
In loving memory of
Ronald H Kays
September 5, 1938 - September 30, 2018
Ron H. Kays, 80, of Mooresville, Indiana and formerly of Punta Gorda FL passed away Sunday, Sept. 30. He was born September 5, 1938 in Mooresville, Indiana to Merle and Esther Kays and moved to Punta Gorda in 1958.
He was the former owner of Kays Funeral Home, Kays-Ponger Funeral Homes and Cremation Services and Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home.
He was a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and The Florida Funeral Directors Association. He organized and received permission from the Federal Government to broadcast and was the first General Manager of Channel 36, the first Independent Television Station in Southwest Florida. Ron was one of the original organizers of Charlotte County's first FM Radio Station. He was the treasurer of the St Joseph's Hospital Ball for its first 12 years, then served as the Chairman of the Hospital Ball. In 1967-1968, he was appointed as Pilot Commissioner for the Port of Boca Grande by Governor Claude Kirk. He graduated from Indiana College of Mortuary Science and was a member of the Pi Sigma Eta Fraternity. He graduated with a degree in Bible Doctrine and Ministerial Studies from the Berean College of the Bible in St Louis, Missouri. Ron owned and operated the Circle K Ranch where with his wife, they raised and sold cattle and citrus.
He was a charter member of the Abundant Life Assembly of God and was a charter member of their Board of Deacons. He served as President of the United Way in 1968 and 1974, had served as the president of the Hi-noon Lions Club in Sarasota, former director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, former member of the BPOE Order of the Port Charlotte Rotary, Director of the First Union Bank & Trust, member of the National Select Morticians Order of the Golden Rule.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Loretta B. Kays; children Mark (Diane) Kays, John Kays and Shannon Gorman; grandchildren, Thomas, Michael, Laura, Jessica, Michael, Ryan, Kimberly, and Calla, 9 great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents and son, Matthew Kays.
The family will receive friends from 10:00am till 12pm on Saturday October 6, 2018 at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 635 E Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 12 noon Saturday at the funeral home with burial to follow at Joshua Creek Cemetery in Arcadia, FL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to their favorite charity.
Tributes
"Ron and Loretta hold a special place in our family?s heart. Ron was a great friend to my dad and supported him through the years at Abundant Life. I have many great memories of time at the ranch, and remember well Ron and Loretta?s kindness and spirit of generosity. Praying for you all and trusting God to fill you with His peace. "
"Ron was such A Special Friend as is Loretta, his wife. Max and Ron met in First Grade at Newby Elementary School and Finished at Mooresville High School. Ron and Loretta moved back to Mooresville 18 years ago. My wife Roby and I enjoyed having lunch once a week with Ron and Loretta. We will miss Ron. Our love and prayers go out to Loretta and her family. Max and Roby Park"
"Uncle Ron was my first employer the summer of '79 at the Circle K. I had a lot of fun that summer and was very generous of him and Aunt Loretta to allow me that experience. I remember one day he was not particularly pleased with me as I forgot to latch a gate properly and all the pigs got loose and another when I stirred up some wasps trimming palm trees causing us both to get stung. Over the years we both enjoyed a good laugh over those incidents and many other memorable events that summer. He will be missed. "
"So sorry for your loss Mark and Diane. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers."
"I know Mr. Kay's was, is and Mary and I will always remember just how great this man was. We lost an infant child in 1995 and Mr. Kay's knowing what we were going through both emotionally and financially refused to allow us to pay for our Amber's services. We bought a group of lots where he suggested and I asked him if he would allow me to, I would make payments to him for her arrangements and he was like no Robin, you and Mary are going through enough, I'll take care of everything else. So I sit here with tearfilled eyes trying to let everyone know just how great and compassionate this man was. I lost touch with him after he retired but I've prayed that God keep his hand over him and his family so many times and I can say he has been such a great inspiration to me to help those who sometimes fall upon hard times and need the help that I could pass on to them. I can only hope that I can make someone else's life better with no after thought of the impact of my assistance bas Mr. Kay's did with Mary and I. Mr. Kay's rest easy way up high on that mountain top and thank you sir for all that you have done for me"
"Mark, Diane and Family, Our love, prayers and thoughts are with all of you today. Love you all Bruce and Kim"
"There really isn?t any words that could express how much we thought of Ron. He was my Dad ?s friend for life. They are catching up on everything by now?? Love, Allyson, Doug, Sue , Jack, Marianne, Tommy and children. Loretta and family are in our prayers"