Ronald "Ron" Ambrose

Ronald “Ron” Ambrose, 86, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Carteret Health Care.

A memorial service, with military honors, will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 9^th at Munden Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Ron came into this life on July 10, 1937, to Stephen John and Anna Lee Kosty Ambrose in Scranton, Pennsylvania growing up in a household with no siblings until February 26, 1948, when his brother, David, was born.

After graduating high school, Ron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a Private. A move that would terminate with his retirement after thirty years in 1985 as a Lieutenant Colonel (LDO). His final tour was as Disbursing Officer at MCAS Cherry Point where he served from 1980 until his retirement. During his military service, Ron received many awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal.

Upon his retirement, he began a career as an assistant golf professional at Bogue Banks Country Club in Pine Knoll Shores, NC (currently the Country Club of the Crystal Coast). He performed duties as pro shop manager, where he acquired many new friends. Although his golf exploits were nothing to brag about, he was always an asset to have on a team. A long ball hitter and a good putter were his best attributes.

Ron was never a person to allow an opportunity pass to be of service to others. He was a loyal member of the local American Legion Posts #46 and #203. Earning him Legionnaire of the Year awards in 2007-2008 and then again in 2011-2012. He progressed up the ladder of success, while a member of the American Legion reaching the position of Department Vice Commander for North Carolina in 2009 and was selected as Adjutant of the Year in 2013.

He joined the Marine Corps League of Cherry Point in 2010 where he also let no moss grow between his toes progressing up the ladder in the detachment as Paymaster for 3 years, Senior Vice Commandant, and then as Commandant of the detachment for 2 years. During this period, he earned the Marine of the Year award in 2013, and as a member of the Devil Dogs Association, he received the NC Pack Dog of the Year award in 2016.

Ron’ character was exemplified by his generous outreach to all who needed assistance and had a special gift of inspiration to all he came in contact with as well as an unselfish trait of true vision. He firmly believed in the premise that we should be faithful to our fellow man and that we should all "still strive to help others".

Ron was a life member of MOAA, the California / Hawaii ELKS, the VFW, MCL, American Legion, and the Marine Corps Mustang Association, the Marine Corps League, and the Military Order of Devil Dogs.

Lt. Col. Ambrose was honored for his contributions to Carteret County and the State of North Carolina in 2016 when he was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award from Governor Pat McCrory. This award is the highest award given by the sitting Governor of the State for 30-plus years of loyal and exemplary performance in volunteering. He considered this award as the highlight of his long professional career. Ron also received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from President Bush for service to the community as a volunteer driver of a van taking veterans to and from Durham Hospital.

It goes without saying that Ron will be missed by those who knew him. He was a quiet, but influential, individual that displayed the meaning of "Gentleman".

Ron shared his life with the love of his life, Marian Ambrose. They have 5 daughters, Patricia Jolley of Havelock, Karen Keen (Greg) of Morehead City, Terry Reimer of Ball Ground, GA, Kathy Ballou (Luther Lewis) of Newport, and Stephanie Barker (Scottie) of Fuquay-Varina; 3 granddaughters, Shannon April Hume  (Cole), MacKenzie Alexis Dunham, Morgan Cathryn Ballou; 1 grandson, John Camden Ballou; 3 great-grandchildren, Lauren Alivia Hume, Grayson Patrick Hume, and Eastyn Lorraine Hume.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his brother, David Ambrose.

Since the servicemen of our nation were so close to Ron’s heart, the family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations of toys be given toward the “Toys for Tots” program. There will be a box at that service for toys to be placed in.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.