Ronnie Cain

Mr. Ronnie Cain, the son of the late Wilbert Cain Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Gregg Cain, passed away from his earthly life on December 26, 2023. Ronnie was fortunate to be raised in the multi-generational home of his maternal grandparents, the late Mr. Leon and Reolia Gregg. Aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins all walking and playing between houses and yards as he would say living “out in the country.” Lessons, traditions, and values all being great influences and sources of encouragement to pursue his dreams.

Educated in the Florence County Public Schools, Florence-Darlington Technical College earning an Asociate's Degree in Criminal Justice and Claflin State University. Ronnie exhibited a love for singing at an early age. He was encouraged to pursue his God-given talent not just by his grandparents but also the Salem United Methodist Church family including Claussen and other surrounding communities as well. All of Ronnie’s relatives and friends supported him in his efforts to bring glory to God through music.

Ronnie enjoyed not just singing but also musical directing, drama and a great game of baseball as a first baseman down at the “ball diamond” with his Uncle Leroy aka “Uncle Boy” as coach. Many weekends were spent on backroads playing the game and sliding in at Homeplate. When not playing baseball, ”Big Ronnie” as Ms. Rosa and Aunt Bay would say to distinguish between the one who sang and directed and the one who played the organ and piano like a maestro, enjoyed being Minster of Music at Salem, giving back what was given to him as he grew up in Salem, encouragement and musical direction to budding musicians like “Little Ronnie King” and singers like Yohance McClain, who all preceded Ronnie in death. Ronnie dedicated a great part of his life as a founding member and first musical director of The Salem & Elizabeth Concert Choir and musical director of the Workshop Community Choir which became an annual event each December.

In the latter few years of his life, Ronnie began attending Majority Baptist Church where he continued to serve God through song until the time of his death.

Left to cherish Ronnie’s memory are: three children, Ashton (Brittany) Cain, Abria (Xavier) Ellis, and Avery (Casey) Cain; five grandchildren: Addilyn Ellis, Kane Ellis, Nelson Cain, Maximus Cain, and Melanie Young; one sister, Deborah Cain; three brothers, Wilbert “Duke” Cain Jr., Brian Bailey, and Russell Gregg; three nieces Aylssa Sparks, Tenia Dean and Christina Cain; one aunt Evangelist Vera Gregg; cousin/sister Amanda Cain; longtime family friends Blanche Coleman and Louise Smith; a host of other family members and friends.

Please keep the family of Ronnie Cain in your thoughts and prayers.