William Ronald “Ronnie” Hartsfield, Sr.

APEX – William Ronald “Ronnie” Hartsfield, Sr., 78, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 20, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Ronnie was born on May 13, 1942 to John Andrew Hartsfield, Sr. and Julia Spence Hartsfield. He was owner/operator of Hartsfield Auto Service until his retirement in 2008. He worked alongside his grandfather, father, and son in this family business that was in Raleigh since 1946. He was well known around many local racetracks, including Wake County Speedway, Wilson County Speedway, and Pender County Speedway. He had many victories over the 33 years he raced as Icon Baby Blue #9 and was nicknamed, “Big Daddy Rabbit.” In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Ronda Suzanne Hartsfield. Ronnie is survived by his wife of 59 years, JoAnn Hartsfield; son, William Ronald Hartsfield, Jr. and wife, Janet Faircloth Hartsfield of Raleigh; grandchildren, Amanda Stewart and husband, Donnie, Sarah Parrish, Cody Parrish, Brandon Ennis, and William Ronald Hartsfield, III all of Raleigh; great grandchildren, Angel Shelton, Skyler Shelton, Christopher Shelton, and Shane Shelton; brother, John Andrew Hartsfield, Jr. and wife, Terry of Raleigh; sisters-in-law, Mary Smith of Raleigh, Peggy Carwell of Rocky Mount; and his brother in spirit, Louis Gray. Ronnie will lie in repose from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh for friends and relatives to pay their respects and sign the guest register. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 25, 2021 in the chapel of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Entombment will follow at Historic Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions in Ronnie’s memory may be made to Swift Creek Baptist Church: 9300 Penny Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606; or C3 Church: 8246 Cleveland Rd, Clayton, NC 27520. Arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com