James Ronald “Ron” Stutts
Alabaster

Ron Stutts, born Oct. 12, 1946, in Florence, was 68 at the time of his death Dec. 30, 2014. He was the first son of Mary Alice and James A. Stutts living in Florence, Pasadena, Texas, and returning to Cherokee, during his youth.
Ron had lived in the Alabaster community for a number of years. He passed while at Shelby Baptist Hospital from complications of liver cancer.
He was preceded in death by his father, James.
He is survived by his mother, Mary Alice of Florence; brother, David M. “Mickey” Stutts of Montevallo; brother, Paul L. Stutts (Marcia Jane) of South Carolina; uncle, Donald C. Capley of Birmingham; and nieces, nephews and grandnieces.
Ron graduated from the University of Montevallo with a degree in sciences. After college, he taught high school in Huntsville for one year prior to his joining the Alabama State Health Department.
Ron retired from the Health Department in 2006, continuing to live in Alabaster while pursuing a variety of interests during his retirement.
Ron was initiated into the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks on Feb. 13, 1989. He was elected Exalted Ruler of Cahaba Valley Lodge for the fraternal year 2003 – 2004. He has been an active member, participating in charity events for youth, adults with needs and veterans.
He was noted for his participation in providing supplies for the Oak Mountain Mission as they extended the reach of Elkdom into the local community through meeting the basic needs of citizens of the area. Ron has been Treasurer for the Lodge since the beginning of fraternal year 2005 – 2006. He could be counted on to assist in keeping the building and grounds well-maintained and tidy while serving in many other capacities to further the charitable endeavors of the Lodge.
In addition to his Elk activities Ron, an avid fan of social dancing, was a member of the Concordia Dance Club (also serving as its Treasurer) Fred Astaire Dance Studio, and Chris Bailey Dance Studio. Ron attended regional and national dance competitions in recent years.
Sporting activities included golf and bowling. Ron made custom fitted golf clubs for himself, his brother and others. League bowling occupied his Tuesday mornings.
He also loved to travel to the mentioned dance competitions, an annual weeklong golf outing with friends and cruising on the high seas visiting other countries.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2 at the Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge located at 1738 Morgan Park Road in Pelham.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Oak Mountain Missions in care of Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge, 1738 Morgan Park Road, Pelham, AL 35124.