Ronald Romine

Ronald H. Romine passed away June 4, 2016 at Spartanburg Restorative Care. Born at home on November 18, 1938 and raised without running water or electricity on his family farm in Rogersville, Alabama, Ron moved on to getting a PhD in political science from The University of South Carolina and became a distinguished professor of American Government and Constitutional Law at USC-Upstate from 1975 until he retired in 2007. Ronald is a Vietnam Veteran. He served a two-year tour of duty in the United States Army, returned to the States to do graduate work in English at The University of Kentucky, and then returned to active service from 1965 to 1971, where he served as an artillery battery commander. He remained in the Army Reserve until 1990 and retired with the rank of Colonel. His last reserve assignment was Director of Civil Affairs in the Pentagon. In 2001, Ron's academic interest turned towards non-profit advocacy. He founded the major in non-profit studies at USC-Upstate and served as the Director of Nonprofit Leadership. He served on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations including two terms as Board Chair of the American Diabetes Association, South Carolina Affiliate, and The Salvation Army Advisory Board in Spartanburg. Ron was an outspoken member of this community through print and digital media and was very active in South Carolina politics. An influential member of the South Carolina Democratic Party, Ron managed Liz Patterson's successful bid for the 4th District Congressional seat of the United States Congress in 1986 and consulted on numerous political campaigns. In 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Peggy, who he loved and cherished for their 51-year marriage. He was the proud father of three children. His eldest son John, died in 2013 from complications of diabetes. His daughter Anne, lives in Asheville, NC, with her husband Tom, son, August, and foster son, DJ. His son Matt, lives outside Denver Colorado with his wife, Lori and their three children, Layton, Bennie, and Maia. He was also predeceased by his parents, John and Mable Romine; five brothers and one sister. Citizen, soldier, scholar, teacher, parent, and loving husband, Ron made a lasting impression on all who encountered his loving presence. Ron will remain a remarkable example of how to live a useful and productive life. A viewing will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 PM Monday, June 6, 2016 at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. A memorial is planned for some time in July of this year. A memorial service honoring his life will be conducted at 1:00 PM Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Visitation will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spartanburg Democratic Party, P.O. Box 2682, Spartanburg, SC 29304; American Heart Association, 3535 Pelham Road, Ste. 101, Greenville, SC 29615; American Diabetes Association, 119 Eastwood Circle, Spartanburg, SC 29302; American Lung Association, 2030 North Church Place, Spartanburg, SC 29303; Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, c/o Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care, Patient Care Fund, 389 Serpentine Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ronald Romine please visit our Sympathy Store.