Ronald Kay Templeton

Ronald Kay Templeton, 83, of Charleston, South Carolina, died peacefully on November 30, 2024, after a holiday visited by family and friends.

Ron's Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 7, 2024 at the graveside, Magnolia Cemetery, 70 Cunnington Avenue, Charleston. The family will receive friends following the service at a reception. Details will be announced at that time.

Ron was predeceased in death by his wife of 36 years, Julia Terry Templeton and his parents, Ruth and Jesse Templeton. Ron was born in Anderson, Indiana where he taught high school and graduated from Ball State University eventually receiving his Doctorate in Education in 1967. Ron’s passion was education. In 1967, Ron moved to Athens, Georgia to become a professor of education at the University of Georgia. As it happens, his apartment was across the hallway from Julia Terry, who had recently moved to Athens from Texas continuing her career as the University's Student Activities Director. Julia was the love of his life and he was devoted to her. They married in 1969, and had one son, Morgan. In 1973, Ron and Julia moved to Charleston, South Carolina accepting a job to be a Professor at The Citadel. He retired from The Citadel in 2005, after serving as the Head of the Education Department, a Dean of the Graduate School, and the President for the South Carolina Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. He was a member of St. Michael's Church.

Ron loved to learn and teach. He educated thousands of students over his career, many of whom remained in contact with him to share their successes. Each year, while teaching at The Citadel, Ron and Julia would take a few students under their wing and invite them to his house on Sundays for a home cooked meal and a place to escape the rigors of the college. Periodically, those former students would return to the home to thank Ron for the impact he had on their lives and careers. He loved hearing from former students and he made a difference in this world by impacting the lives he touched. His was a life well lived.

Ron and Julia shared a passion for entertaining. Frequently, they would host parties for their friends and family at their home. From holiday parties, supper clubs, Saturday night dinner parties, and bridge games, their home was lively and always open to their friends and their friends' friends. After Julia’s death in 2005, Ron’s focus shifted to his grandchildren, McCabe, Hampton, and Cacky. Grandad routinely picked them up from school and attended their performances and sporting events. He was proud of each of them and especially pleased to see each choose to attend college and further their education. Ron also had a terrific wit and sense of humor. His timing and intelligence were impeccable. Ron was proudest when talking about his son and daughter in law, Catherine. He considered Morgan his greatest accomplishment and Catherine his best decision.

Ron is survived by his son, Morgan S. Templeton; his daughter-in-law, Catherine Brawley Templeton and three grandchildren, Julia McCabe Templeton, Brooks Hampton Templeton and Catherine (“Cacky”) Stuart Templeton.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.