Ronald Holley was born on July 22, 1964, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Willie B. Holley (Maxwell). From an early age, Ronald was known for his warm spirit, kind heart, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel like family.

Ronald was a devoted member of the Southern Baptist Church, where he started a small singing group and served as a trustee. He later became a member of the Lord’s Messengers, continuing to share his faith and love of music with others.

Ronald graduated from Dorchester High School in 1982. Shortly after graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army, beginning a journey of service that took him across the country and around the world. While stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, he met his first wife, Charlotte. Together, they built a family, and Ronald lovingly embraced Tiffiany and Christian as his own before welcoming three children together: Ronald Jr., Dominique, and Alexis.

After years of honorable military service and travel, Ronald left the Army in 1994 and returned home to Boston with his family. Although he and Charlotte divorced in 1995, they remained lifelong friends, a testament to the mutual love, respect, and friendship they continued to share.

Following his military service, Ronald continued his life of service to his community. During election seasons, he worked at City Hall, contributing his time and dedication to the civic process. He also volunteered at the local VA Hospital and participated in veterans’ events. Ronald found great joy in supporting fellow veterans, serving his community, and giving back to those who had served alongside him.

In 2009, Ronald was blessed with his youngest son, Demetres, who brought immeasurable joy and love into his life. In 2014, Ronald met the love of his life, Keturah Manning. Their love blossomed over the years and culminated in marriage in April 2024. Together, they created a beautiful home in Brockton, Massachusetts, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Ronald was preceded in death by his beloved son, Ronald Holley Jr.; his sister, Hope Holley; his father; and his stepfather, Charles Maxwell.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Keturah Manning-Holley; his beloved mother, Willie B. Maxwell; his beloved grandmother, Lilian Collins; his brothers, Charles (Janelle) Holley Jr, Reginald Holley, Thomas Murray Jr., and Lorenzo (Phil) Murray; his children, Tiffiany Green, Christian Green, Dominique Holley, Alexis Holley, and Demetres Holley; De’Syree and Derek Trusty; his cherished grandchildren, Caiden Hobson and Kailen Holley; and his loving nieces and nephews, Michael (Mekhi), Shamia (Ramelle, Tarelle, Ariel), Reggie (Reyna, Rai’zah), Maddison, CJ., Niaomi, Chanel, and Maya. He also leaves his beloved godchildren, Tai Smalls and Domani Yancey.

Ronald also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and beloved friends from around the world whose lives were forever touched by his kindness.

Ronald spent his final months doing what he loved most: traveling with his family, standing behind the grill preparing meals for those he loved, and filling every room with laughter, stories, and his unforgettable smile. He never met a stranger. Whether you knew him for a moment or a lifetime, Ronald had a special way of making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

His generosity, humor, strength, faith, and unwavering love for his family defined the life he lived. He gave freely of himself, served others with a willing heart, and created memories that will be treasured forever.

While our hearts mourn his passing, we rejoice in the beautiful legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of service, faith, love, laughter, friendship, community, and devotion to family. Ronald’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those blessed to know him until we are reunited again.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

— Matthew 25:23