Ronald James Edens

    Ronald James Edens was born on March 10, 1961, in Wilmington, North Carolina, and for 64 years our world was blessed by his life. Many people’s lives were better simply because he was part of them. To know Ronnie was to experience his deep love for family, his dedication to hard work, and his warm smile, friendly spirit, and sense of humor. His generosity was unmatched, and he always believed in offering nothing but the very best to those around him.

     As a young man, Ronnie attended Laney High School, where he spotted Sharon as a majorette and knew on their very first date that she was the one he would one day marry. She became his greatest treasure, and together they shared 42 devoted years of marriage, with Sharon faithfully by his side every step of the way. Ronnie was an exceptional athlete and team player, and later, as a father, he never missed a single game for his sons, whether in high school or college.

     For 35 years, Ronnie worked as a seafood broker at J. H. Lea & Sons Seafood while also carrying on a family legacy through Edens Produce, a third-generation market at the corner of Sidbury Road and U.S. Highway 17. He had a deep love and respect for the land he farmed, growing vegetables and selling his sought-after 6x6 tomatoes at farmers’ markets throughout the area, including Wrightsville Beach, Southport, Sunset Beach, and Carolina Beach. Fresh produce was available daily at Scotts Hill, and during the Christmas season, Ronnie also offered premium #1 Fraser Fir Christmas trees grown in the North Carolina mountains. No one was a stranger to Ronnie; he delighted in sharing samples of watermelon or peaches and built warm, lasting friendships through loyalty and kindness. That same commitment to quality and care will continue through Sharon, Ronnie Jr., Jeremy, and Ethan.

     Ronnie also cherished time spent hunting, fishing, shrimping, and oystering, but his greatest blessing in life was his beloved family. He was the best husband, daddy, and a loyal friend to many. Ronnie passed peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Doris Edens. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Caines Edens; his sons, Ronald James Edens Jr. (Jamie), Jeremy Scott Edens, and Ethan Jacob Edens; many dear friends and extended family; and his beloved pets, Futches Creek Fred, Pookie-Lookie, and Lucky. Ronnie’s love, legacy, steady guidance, and presence will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.      

      The family will receive friends at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church, 10255 US Hwy 17 N, Wilmington, NC 28411. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary with Pastor Susanne Priddy conducting the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

     The family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Sharon Edens, designated for the college trust fund for the youngest son of Ronnie Edens.  Your gifts are deeply appreciated and will honor Ronnie's legacy of love and family.  Donations can be mailed to Sharon Edens, 1584 Scotts Hill Loop Road, Wilmington, NC 28411.

     Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com

     A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

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