Dr. Ronald Dewain Willhite, 79, of Ball Ground, Georgia, peacefully passed in his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, to forever live in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ron was born in Torrance, California, on September 20, 1946. At the age of 16 he felt the call of God upon his life. After graduating from high school he continued his education at the International Bible College in San Antonio, Texas, where he met Jo Ann Stone. They were married on June 2, 1967, and went on to have two children, Ronald Dewain Willhite Jr. and Brenna Kathlene Willhite-Mettler.

After Ron graduated with a Theology degree, he continued his education and earned his Doctorate.

Ron always had a heart for missions, and after college he felt the call to go to Mexico as a missionary with his wife, Jo Ann, building churches and ministering the Word of God.

Ron then pastored in California, Mississippi, and Georgia before founding Christian Center Church in Roswell, Georgia, in 1976, where he remained Senior Pastor until the Lord called him home. Feeling the call for a Christian school in the north Atlanta area, Ron also founded Christian Center Academy under the church's ministry.

Throughout his life, Ron continued to make missionary trips to various countries. He cohosted "The Breakfast Club," a Christian TV show in Atlanta, and was later invited to host the local "Praise the Lord" on TBN in Atlanta. He also had a radio ministry and published two books, "Receiving What You Need From The Lord" and "The Glory And The Lifter Of My Head."

Despite all of his accomplishments, Ron was, above all, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always taking time out of his busy schedule to spend quality time with his family.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, James Willard Willhite and Lorene Wakefield Willhite, and his brother, Thomas Dale Willhite.

Ron is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Jo Ann Stone Willhite; his son, Ronald Dewain Willhite Jr., and daughter-in-law, Bonny Willhite; his daughter, Brenna Kathlene Willhite-Mettler, and son-in-law, Andreas Stephen Mettler; his grandson, Breland Michael Willhite-Mettler, and his fiancée, Abby; his grandson, Benjamin Gabriel Willhite-Mettler; his great-grandson, Theodore, son of Breland and Abby; and his sister and brother-in-law, Theresa Willhite Scotten and Guy Scotten.

A celebration service for Ron will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with family visitation from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., at 1850 Woodstock Road, Roswell, Georgia 30075.

In lieu of flowers, and because Ron had a heart for missions, the family asks that all donations in his memory be made to Bible League International, at https://www.bibleleague.org/donation/main-worldwide-1vwn0003/ .