It is with deep sorrow and abiding love that we announce the transition of Mr. Ronnie Dewayne Starke, who departed this life on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Born March 7, 1959.  Ronnie was the treasured third child in a family of eleven, lovingly and tenderly raised by Mr. James and Gladys Starke.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Starke; siblings, Wayne V. Stark, Paulette M. Starke, Kim Y. Starke, Gail C. Starke, James K. Starke, Sonya Q. Starke; one niece, Little Miss Desiree Starke; and special devoted friend, Tracy Owens.

Ronnie leaves behind a loving and devoted family who cared for him daily per the instructions passed down from their parents and grandparents. Ronnie leaves behind two loving and caring sisters whom he spoke to daily, Evonne Starke (Russel) of Dinwiddie, VA, Sabina Starke of Columbia, SC; two brothers who were truly their brother's keeper, Kerwin Starke (Gloria) and Jawanza Salim both of Petersburg, VA; one loving sister-in-law, Linda Flowers-Starke; seven special and loving nieces, Wynette Starke of Petersburg, VA, Tony Starke of Chester, VA, Robin Starke (Chris) of Dinwiddie, VA, devoted and loving nieces whom cared tirelessly for him Destany Starke of Richmond, VA, ToLoria Starke of Petersburg, VA and Ebony McLaughin of Columbia, SC, and Regina Williams of Charolette, NC; four nephews, Andrew Wyatt III (Jen) of Maryland; devoted and loving nephew, Kevon Starke (Destaney) of Chester, VA whom checked in on his "Unk Hop" daily and did for him without a second thought, Devon Wolley of Columbia, SC,  and Cameron Jones of Petersburg, VA. Ronnie also had a very special bond with his great nephews and nieces as well, Jakari Starke (Chiquila), Armin Harris, Jr. (Kayana), Thomias Tyler (Shamya), Tylian and Tehrain Tyler, Jakarmin and JaMais Patterson, G'kirah Cole, King Mosely, Carter Wolley, Christian Nicholas, Kavanni Starke, Jazari  Starke, Jakari Starke, Jr.,  Jahlil Young,  DShawni Smith, DeShawn Starke, Dior Barnes, D'Amiri Starke, D'Varis Williams and D'yna Williams.

Grasshopper had many-many friends, but true to the meaning of friends was Terry Barnes who would always make sure his friend was good. Terry, we thank you for being a true friend to Hop.

From his earliest days, Ronnie's gentle spirit and boundless curiosity found a home in the natural world.  He was especially captivated by birds, watching and caring for them with a devotion that reflected his own soaring spirit.  His passion for avian life became both his solace and his delight, solace and his delight, drawing him outside at dawn to greet the day with the songs of his feathered friends.

Those who knew Grasshopper remember a person whose warmth and kindness extended to all creatures.  He was a steadfast sibling, a loyal friend, and a gentle soul, always ready with a listening ear or a helpful hand, and a witty saying, that would leave you laughing for days.

Grasshopper could always be seen in the latest threads for any occasion and didn't need your compliments because he ALREADY knew he LOOKED GOOD! His laughter, lighthearted stories and generosity filled family gatherings with joy and have become cherished memories for all who loved him.

Ronnie's legacy is one of compassion, quiet strength and profound appreciation for the beauty in the world around him.  Though he will be deeply missed, his gentle presence will live on in the hearts of his family, his friends and in every bird's song that grace the morning air.

May his soul find peace and rest, soring free as the birds he so dearly loved.

PRAISE THE LORD, I'M FREE! I'M FLYING HIGH LIKE PIGEONS OF THE MORNING DEW!

IN HOP'S VOICE:  GET YO'SELF TOGETHER!!!!

Services will be held at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1021 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Lamont A. Hobbs, Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.