Heaven became a more cheerful place when Ron Sock arrived on July 24, 2021. For the friends, family and colleagues of Ron, the memories he left behind are legendary.
Ron had an unparalleled impact on everyone who knew him – he was a larger-than-life, colorful character who lived each day at full sail with matchless enthusiasm and a fear-free philosophy to life.
He was born in Columbus, Nebraska on New Year’s Eve – a quite fitting birthdate for Ron, who always loved a good party. He had a storybook childhood growing up the first-born child of parents Charles Eugene Sock and Donna Jean Sock in Norfolk, Nebraska. Their down-to-earth Midwestern values, Catholic faith, incredible work ethic, obsession with sports and above all else, love of family stayed with him throughout his life.
Later, Ron attended the University of Nebraska before becoming a serial entrepreneur. His 50-year furniture career in sales, design and manufacturing began early – at his family’s hometown furniture store. His beginnings as a sales representative for several furniture companies took him to many states, and ultimately, he migrated to the Southeast. In the late 80’s Ron was instrumental in developing several furniture stores, including The House Fine Furniture in Atlanta. He also invested in Outback Steakhouses, acquiring a small group of stores, which he later sold. In 1993, Ron started Cibola Furniture in Texas and later relocated the business to Hickory, North Carolina where he raised his family. During this time, he traveled near and far, making many dear friends on almost every continent. In early 2004, Cibola was purchased by Stickley, and Ron joined their team in product and hospitality development and as President of Craftsman Leather. More recently, Ron began yet another family business, Westwood Avenue Hospitality, based in High Point, NC. There, his goal was to transfer his knowledge of all things furniture to his children, two of whom work in the business.
Always the family guy, Ron leaves behind his wife Sallie, whom he loved every single day for 37 years. Together they raised two daughters and one son. Fortunately, Ron left nothing on the table – calling each of his children and probably their spouses several times daily. He was a real phone guy. Missing his big hugs, pranks, advice, great laugh and unwavering positive attitude is Taylor Harris (Alexander) and two grandsons Colgan and Hall of Atlanta, GA, Bailey James (August) and granddaughter Elle of Raleigh, NC and Conner (Macy) of High Point, NC who also happened to be Ron’s best friend. He leaves behind a wonderful crew of siblings, Larry Sock, Randy Sock, Cheryl and Jim Brackett who were among his closest friends. He will be truly missed by a host of nieces and nephews for whom family gatherings will never quite be the same without the ridiculous, ever-entertaining antics of Ron.
Ron’s favorite pastimes without question were golfing with Conner, playing with his grandchildren, boating, beaching, watching golf and his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers. Scott Frost may have just lost his team’s #1 fan.
Whatever Ron did, he did it 300%. He had an uplifting spirit and unbounding energy. He had nicknames for everyone … and would speak in crazy voices. Many had nicknames for him, but his kids loved calling him Rosie because of his eternally sunny disposition. He was creative, could sell anything and had a head brimming with ideas. Most importantly, Ron had a really BIG heart. Rest in peace? Probably not … more than likely, he’s up to something;)
The celebration of Ron’s Life will be announced after the settling in of Ron’s first granddaughter Elle McLaughlin James who we joyfully welcomed just six days after Ron left us, such is the circle of life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the HV3 Foundation.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Ronald Lee Sock, please visit our Tree Store.