JETER, Ronnie, age 68, of Manakin Sabot, crossed the finish line on November 8, 2022, after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Jeter. He is survived by his cherished wife of 44 years, Susan Jeter, to whom Ronnie remained devoted throughout her ongoing struggle with dementia. Also surviving to continue his legacy are his mother, Rose Jeter; beloved daughter and closest racing partner, Samantha Jeter (Brian); and granddaughter, Mackenzie Rose. His memory will also be cherished by his dear friends, Todd and Barbara Atkinson, Jay and Diane Otto, Fred and Bobbie Karam; and many more friends who will miss him dearly.
Ronnie was a Hermitage High School graduate with an exceptional work ethic. At the age of 15, he began a career with Regency Tire & Auto and became the sole owner in 2006. Throughout the years, he was blessed with faithful employees who he always looked out for and treated like his own family. His honesty and approach to business helped develop a following of loyal customers.
His greatest passion was drag racing. Ronnie began competing in 1972 at Richmond Dragway, Virginia Motorsports Park, Suffolk Raceway, Colonial Beach and other regional drag strips. He was a fierce competitor, a friend and mentor to many fellow drag racers. Over the years, he won multiple championships with the most recent one being in 2017. Ronnie introduced Samantha to the racetrack when she was six years old, becoming his crew chief and later rode with him for a quarter mile pass in the legendary UBWARE Corvette. That treasured father-daughter pass led her to becoming a racer alongside her father; each supporting the other between rounds.
In addition to racing, for decades Ronnie created a Tuesday night tradition of playing pool and poker with close friends that still continues today.
Visitation with family and friends will be Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 West Broad Street, Glen Allen, Va. 23060. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.
Lindy L. Longest (Harvell)
Ronnie Jeter Obituary
JETER, Ronnie, age 68, of Manakin Sabot, crossed the finish line on November 8, 2022, after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Jeter. He is survived by his cherished wife of 44 years, Susan Jeter, to whom Ronnie remained devoted throughout her ongoing struggle with dementia. Also surviving to continue his legacy are his mother, Rose Jeter; beloved daughter and closest racing partner, Samantha Jeter (Brian); and granddaughter, Mackenzie Rose. His memory will also be cherished by his dear friends, Todd and Barbara Atkinson, Jay and Diane Otto, Fred and Bobbie Karam; and many more friends who will miss him dearly.
Ronnie was a Hermitage High School graduate with an exceptional work ethic. At the age of 15, he began a career with Regency Tire & Auto and became the sole owner in 2006. Throughout the years, he was blessed with faithful employees who he always looked out for and treated like his own family. His honesty and approach to business helped develop a following of loyal customers.
His greatest passion was drag racing. Ronnie began competing in 1972 at Richmond Dragway, Virginia Motorsports Park, Suffolk Raceway, Colonial Beach and other regional drag strips. He was a fierce competitor, a friend and mentor to many fellow drag racers. Over the years, he won multiple championships with the most recent one being in 2017. Ronnie introduced Samantha to the racetrack when she was six years old, becoming his crew chief and later rode with him for a quarter mile pass in the legendary UBWARE Corvette. That treasured father-daughter pass led her to becoming a racer alongside her father; each supporting the other between rounds.
In addition to racing, for decades Ronnie created a Tuesday night tradition of playing pool and poker with close friends that still continues today.
Visitation with family and friends will be Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 West Broad Street, Glen Allen, Va. 23060. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.