Ronald G. Liveris

ronald liveris

Ronald G. Liveris 'coach Ron', 74, of Southern Pines passed away peacefully in his home on the 14th hole at Longleaf Golf and Country Club on December 31st, 2010. Ron is survived by his wife of 37 years Michelle (Judith Michelle Safford), his daughter Julie (husband Rich, Cincinnati, OH) and his son John Paul (fiancAƒAC. Kenia, Lorton, VA) and grandsons Abraham, David and Bryson. His younger brother Joel (wife Laura and their children, Park Ridge, IL), sister-in-law Barbara and children, Tyndall, SD), brother-in-law Robert Safford, (wife Barbara, Phoenixville, PA). He was preceded in death by his beloved son Gregory, older brother Kenneth, parents (married for 70 years) Joseph and Charlotte and mother-in-law Margaret Williams.
Ron grew up on the south side of Chicago in an active and competitive family of 3 boys, who were also uniquely artistic and forward thinking. At an early age he developed a lasting love of golf and tennis, competition and camaraderie. Ron played numerous team sports and in spite of his stature, was a fierce and skilled sportsman with a winning streak of awards that continued to accumulate throughout his life. At 16, Ron went to college where he embarked on a lifelong quest to expand his mind as well as his sports endeavors. Upon graduation from DePauw University (58') he served in the U.S. Army for two years prior to beginning his civilian career.
A faithful Federal Government servant for 35+ years Ron's career was marked with integrity, dedication, creativity and ingenuity. For over 20 years, he worked in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as one of the prime architects of the All-Volunteer Force. He also designed enlistment incentives used by all Services to persuade young people to join the military. He authored numerous reports to Congress and testified before Congressional committees regarding the viability of the volunteer military. Upon retirement, he was presented the Department's Distinguished Civilian Service Medal for his contributions to military personnel management.
Ron's second career as an 'Ambassador of Tennis' was filled with enthusiastic volunteer work. In 2003, he became a USTA certified Tennis Teaching Professional. His love of the game and teaching were in perfect harmony on the court where he loved 'playing' with children to develop their skills and interest. He worked tirelessly with the Moore County Tennis Association (implementing children's programs) and with NC Tennis where he was instrumental in developing the operations plan that facilitates the USTA North Carolina Adult State Championships to be played in Pinehurst with absolute precision. These championships continue today following his written instructions of operation from 2004.
Ron was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather; a loyal brother and devoted son; and a coach, mentor and friend to many who appreciated his wit, dry humor and genuine nature. His gentle strength, perseverance, smile and humor were with him to the end.
A visitation at Community Presbyterian Church of Pinehurst will be held for family and friends on January 14th from 3:00 - 5:00 PM in the Fannie B. Grey parlor. Please join the family in a celebration service at the church on January 15th at 11am. Reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall.
Donations can be made to The Ron Liveris Memorial Youth Tennis Scholarship. For information, please contact: Susan Foster, spillyfoster@gmail.com or visit www.pinesfunerals.com (Powell Funeral Home) where you can also share memories about Ron, view photos and read about his courageous last days.

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Guestbook

  1. I will always remember Ron’s beaming smile and his soft voice. He took great care of his family. My dad -Ron’s big brother, Ken always said, "Ron has a good heart." I am thankful that my family and I were able to spend more time with Ron in the

  2. Dad, what can I say…Im jealous of God right now….Im jealous that he has you by his side right now. Im here just pondering from the days you would pick me up, brush the dirt off my face when I fell, to the times we would make sand castles in the sand,

  3. Ronny Liveris%u2026.sparkling brown eyes, a wonderful smile, fun and laughter rolled up to make a wonderful man and he was a hero to his older brother . The competition between those two brothers was a source of many good memories! Starting as little foot

  4. Dad,
    This is my favorite picture of you and Bryson. Like two peas in a pod in your own little conspiracy. You were dancing with him to keep him happy and clearly you both were enjoying it. Love and miss you so much.

  5. Michelle, Julie, JP and family,
    The miles between our families did not allow for many visits over the years. But I can say I grew to know my Uncle Ron through my father’s eyes, because dad always kept us up to date. Family is what brings meaning to m

  6. I can’t help but smile looking at this picture – I just feel like you are looking right at me Dad. Thanks for giving me my first smile of the day…j

  7. JP, thanks to you and your family for allowing me take care of father and for a short while being a part of your families life. The love that I felt is a living testament to Mr. Liveris’s life. You be forever in my prayers and heart. With love and respect

  8. Mrs. Liveris, Julie and JP, I am so sorry for your incredible loss. Your husband and father was such a kind and caring man. What I remember most were his gentle ways, his love for all of you, for Greg and for tennis. His spirit will live on through each o

  9. Mrs. Liveris, Julie and JP, I am so sorry for your incredible loss. Your husband and father was such a kind and caring man. What I remember most were his gentle ways, his love for all of you, for Greg and for tennis. His spirit will live on through each o

  10. Dear Dad,
    Bryson just told me that "when grampa comes back from visiting God in heaven, I want to give him a big kiss and tell him I love him". Wow. We miss you so much. J

  11. Dad, I’m just here thinking of you and wanted to let you know that I miss you and I love you so much. I wanted to let you know that all the fighting we did for Abraham to live with me is finally become a realization…I will have full custody of him PERMA

  12. Heard this song "Light up the Sky" sung by The Afters and just wanted to say that it reminds me of you papi….I love you…I miss you…no words can explain how much I miss you Dad…

  13. Hey Pops….here at work…missing you…Going through so much lately with battles in each way you can imagine and it pains me that you are not just a phone call away anyjmore…I hope you are resting well…I love you..thinking about you and forever lovi

  14. Dad, i sure missed not hearing "happy birthday honey" from you. I MISS YOU. Bryson says every day "I miss grampa" – so do I. I look at your smiling face every single day and work to be a better person, knowing you would be proud. I mis

  15. Dad, i got glasses for my 45th birthday – can you believe it! I wish you could see me in them. Not nearly as cute as you Dad. Love you and miss you so much. J

  16. Just wanted to tell you that you are missed. You made such an impact on Jrs life. He thinks about you everyday, and he prays for you to be having a great time in heaven with God. Love you and miss you sooo much 🙂

  17. Champ, its been 5 months since I havent been able to call you over the phone..I miss you like it was just yesterday…you have no clue as to how much I feel cheated out of years of "father…son" things to do with you…But obviously God knows b

  18. Champ, its been 5 months since I havent been able to call you over the phone..I miss you like it was just yesterday…you have no clue as to how much I feel cheated out of years of "father…son" things to do with you…But obviously God knows b

  19. Hey Daddy…Im at your house using your computer in your office right now…Aaliyah had a horrible fever and had the shakes alllll night long…Nobody could make her stop, medicine wasnt helping…So I decided to put on your memorial video in the living r

  20. Daddy, its been a year, I still love coming and reading your memorial because it makes you that much closer to me…just wanted to say that I miss you, so much daddy..I think I have been keeping myself busy so i didn’t have to think about it but how can I

  21. Damn Dad, its been two years ago today…still seems like yesterday where I walked in and saw you the last time…they say time heals..it really does, before I just saw you in pain, suffering, and now, for some odd reason, I can see you smiling, and holdi

  22. Ronnie…I hope you and Ken are having a great time together again. Ken has been gone 6 years and I still miss him as much as I did the first day. Miss you too. Barb Liveris

  23. Champ….been awhile since I’ve been on here…just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you, not a day goes by where somehow you don’t cross my mind…I miss our long talks Dad…you are the greatest…even up there…Love you Daddy…

  24. Hey champ,

    Its that time of year again…everyone celebrating New Year’s and me just here thinking about the drive down to North Carolina trying to get to you in time….You know, as much time has gone by, it amazes me how as soon as I start

  25. Hey champ,

    Just wanted to stop by and say hi…You are never forgotten…I miss you dearly still…I could use your advice as a father so much right about now…You patience and kindness is still instilled in my heart and thoughts and only wi

  26. Champ, just wanted to tell you you’re on my mind…I miss you, love you and hope you’re having a blast being in our Savior’s presence! I love you so much Daddy….

  27. Champ, swinging through to let you know that I think of you daily. “what would my dad say?” is what usually goes through my mind when I think of you. We got our house, its beautiful but always want to picture you in it watching the game with me. I love you pops. Miss you like crazy.


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