News

Ron Shuler, funeral director, dies at age 75

Ron Shuler

By Bill Moss, Published: November 7, 2016

Rutledge Everett “Ron” Shuler Jr., passed away Saturday, November 5, 2016 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock after a valiant struggle with cancer. He was 75.

Ron was born on February 14, 1941, to Lillie Mae Rickenbaker Shuler and Rutledge Everett Shuler, Sr. in Orangeburg County, S.C. He grew up swimming, fishing, and skiing from the loamy banks of Lake Marion. He fell in love with golf as a teen and helped build his first home course, Holly Hill Country Club, while receiving lessons from the local professional. Ron always loved a good day’s work, and he poured himself into every venture he pursued.

After graduating from Holly Hill High School in 1959, Ron attended the University of South Carolina. After USC, Ron moved to Dallas, Texas, to study at Gupton-Jones Mortuary Institute, completing his coursework for licensure in 1964, while also serving as Vice-President of his class. Interestingly, while there, Ron worked as a paramedic and found himself driving an ambulance the day of John. F. Kennedy’s assassination. He was at Parkland Memorial Hospital during the tragic events, something which left a poignant and indelible memory. After graduation, Ron returned to his home state of South Carolina to pursue his career in funeral service.

Ron met the his wife, Faye Kirby, in Florence, S.C., while he was working as a funeral director. They were married in August of 1965. In South Carolina, he actively served the community as president of the Jaycees and in other civic roles. Before retiring from his tenure with Batesville Casket Company, Ron was inducted into the Masters Club, the company's highest honor. In 1975, the family moved to Hendersonville.

In 1997, he and Faye founded Shuler Funeral Home. His years at Shuler Funeral Home were the most fulfilling of his career life and he felt humbled and grateful each day to help families during some of their most difficult days. He believed in the wonder of human compassion and in the dignity of life, and he made these tenets the mission of his work.

Ron was a member of Hendersonville First Baptist Church for 40 years, serving as a children’s Sunday School teacher and as a Deacon. His love for Christ, heart for his family, and desire to help others were the motivators of his life.

His other passion was golf. Ron was an avid and naturally gifted golfer who enjoyed his memberships at Hendersonville Country Club and in the Crooked Creek Men’s Golf Association.

Ron was preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years, Faye Kirby Shuler, and his father, Rutledge Shuler, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Lillie Mae Rickenbaker Shuler, and his sister, Lynda Shuler Caughman, both of Lexington, SC; two daughters, Heather Shuler Stepp, and husband, Christopher, of Flat Rock, and Holly Shuler Ollis, and husband, Jeff, of Greensboro. Ron is also survived by two grandsons, Samuel Rutledge Stepp and Micah Wade Ollis; three granddaughters, Kirby Nichole Ollis, Celeste Leslea Ollis, and Lilly Margaret Ollis; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Kirby Tart and husband, Thomas, and Annie Mae Kirby Broach and husband, Ralph, and brother-in-law, Alton Kirby and wife, Judy, all of Florence, SC; and by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 pm, Friday, Nov. 11, at the First Baptist Church. The Rev. Steve Scoggins and the Rev. Wally Shamburger will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. in the church prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or to First Baptist Church, 312 Fifth Ave W, Hendersonville, NC 28739.