WILMINGTON — Ronald B. Rader, 98, died peacefully Sunday morning, September 14th, 2025 in Wilmington, NC.
The youngest of two sons, Ron was born in 1927 to parents Floy and Alvan Rader in Lenoir, NC. As a child, he was active in his family’s church and the Boy Scouts. At an early age, Ron loved to tinker and figure out what made things work. His curiosity and imagination followed him throughout his life.
After Ron graduated from Central High School in 1945, he served in the US Navy during WWII. He returned home to Lenoir where he met and married his wife, Geneva. They started a family and Ron took a job with IBM in Raleigh. He retired in 1987. Ron and Geneva loved the outdoors and camping, and they spent time traveling across country in their yellow VW restored camper bus.
Ron was an avid surf and pier fisherman, and he usually found himself on the Outer Banks each fall in his VW camper bus. He didn’t mind if his catch was slim, only if his presentation was good, and his hat was worn just right.
Ron spent most of his time volunteering for causes he loved and enjoyed. He volunteered at the Rex Wellness Center in Raleigh for 30 years, and was dedicated to helping heart patients heal through exercise. As a licensed pilot, Ron began restoring and rebuilding antique aircraft with his friends. He regularly attended the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh air shows in Oshkosh, WI. As a member and volunteer for the EAA program ‘Young Eagles’, Ron joined other experienced pilots to give future young pilots the experience of flying for the first time.
In 2019, Ron and Geneva moved to Wilmington the be with their son and daughter.
Ron is succeeded by his wife Geneva Rader, and family, Scott and Patty Rader, Lisa Rader and husband Doug Green, and Sister-in-Law Nora Sutton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hospice Care Center, 1406 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401, or by phone at (910) 762-9422. This is an organization the family feels strongly about.
The family would also like to thank The Davis Community/Champions Assisted Living, staff, nurses, and Hospice nurses for caring for Ronald in his last few years, and days. It is with great appreciation that they cared for this amazing nice man, our Father.
