Ronald Maurice Centner

Ronald Maurice Centner, 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Born on September 19, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, Ronald was the son of the late Harry Centner and Margaret Gartner Centner.

Ron served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, two of which were as a Guidance Test Officer at Cape Canaveral, Florida, from 1957 to 1959. He was honorably discharged as a Captain. He later pursued a distinguished career in electrical engineering. He attended Illinois Tech, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Science and Electrical Engineering. He continued his studies at MIT and earned a Master’s of Science in Electrical Engineering. He also acquired a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.  

Throughout his career, from 1957 to 1986, Ron worked for Bendix Corporation and Honeywell, where he applied his intellect, creativity, and passion for innovation. He was the Vice President and General Manager in the company’s Avionics Division for the last 3 years. In 1986, he was the Founder and President of HITECH Management Corp. in Florida. Then, in 1988, he was the Founder and President of Centron Software, Inc. 

After retirement, in 1993, Ron moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina, drawn by his love of golf. He even got a “Hole-in-One” on the Whispering Pines Golf Course. He also enjoyed many things during his retirement, such as music, he learned to play the drums with a Senior Group, took flying lessons, and became Treasurer for the Carolina Philharmonic. Born into the Jewish faith, Ron became active in the Christian church from 2011 to 2019, during which he served as Treasurer for 3 years. He was instrumental in establishing “Trinity Christian Fellowship” by securing its funds. He shared​ 15 joyful years with Nancy; together, they enjoyed reading books aloud, playing Scrabble, traveling the United States, playing tennis, doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and simply spending time in each other’s company. 

Ron had a servant’s heart, which is seen in all the people he helped throughout his life. He also had a creative spirit, recording music, designing board games, and he delighted in attending and playing in musicals. His creativity and zest for life will be remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his son, Steven Centner and wife Ann; his daughter, Debbie Greenspon and husband Andy; granddaughters, Cassy Sharp and Michelle Naberhaus; and ten great-grandchildren.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at First Baptist Church of Pinehurst on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Jonathan Shelor officiating.

Online condolences may be made at PinesFunerals.com.

The care of Mr. Centner has been entrusted to Fry & Prickett Funeral Home.