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Ronald Motley Obituary

Ronald Lee Motley CHARLESTON - Ronald Lee Motley, 68, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, August 22, 2013. He will forever be remembered as a stellar trial lawyer, leader, innovator, loving father, grandfather and friend. Ron is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Motley Lee and son-in-law Carter Lee of West Chester, PA; grandchildren, Hutch, Eliza and Wilson; sister, Susan Motley of Goose Creek, SC; wife, Stephanie Poston Motley of Charleston and numerous cherished cousins and friends. Ron was the son of Woodrow Wilson Motley and Carrie Griffin Motley and is predeceased by his son, Mark Elliott Motley. He created the Mark Elliott Motley Foundation in loving memory of his son to help meet the health, education and welfare needs of children and young adults in the Charleston, SC community and beyond. Ron was born October 21, 1944 in Charleston, SC. He graduated from Chicora High School and earned a B.A. from the University of South Carolina and a J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He was a founding member of Motley Rice LLC and took great pride in being a trial lawyer. Ron was also an avid reader, loved all animals, was a huge New York Yankees fan and was fiercely patriotic. He taught school, was a basketball coach and served in the United States Air Force. His generosity is legendary and he inspired deep loyalty from those who knew him best. A true champion of the underdog, he was a proud member of the American Association for Justice, a former president of the South Carolina Association for Justice, member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, the International Association of Trial Lawyers, and was very involved locally in YesCarolina. Though Ron was best known for his legal successes, his greatest pride was in his daughter, her family and his late son, Mark. Ron was many things - first and foremost he was kind and generous. He was brilliant, tenacious and a fighter for many causes. He was human yet bigger than life. His love of the law was driven by his compassion for the people he represented. He will be deeply missed by all who loved and admired him. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at 11 a.m., in the St. Andrews Church Ministry Center, 440 Whilden Street, Mount Pleasant, SC with a burial service immediately following at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, August 26, 2013 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the law office of Motley Rice LLC, 28 Bridgeside Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. Memorials can be made to the Mark Elliott Motley Foundation, PO Box 1014, Charleston, SC 29402. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Aug. 23 to Aug. 25, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Motley

Not sure what to say?





Joan Molinaro

August 17, 2024

One of the kindest man I have ever met. Small in stature, but big in heart

Joan Molinaro

August 17, 2022

Remembering the first time I met you. I gave you Carl“s picture and say " when things get tough, look at this and never give up" You never did! You are my hero.

Joan Molinaro

August 17, 2021

A gentle giant with a beautiful heart. I miss him.

Joan Molinaro

August 19, 2019

Thank you for your caring, giving ways. You are missed. I will forever be grateful for all your hard work and to the 9/11 Families, and for giving me the opportunity to fight back. You are loved and missed. If you see Carl tell him I love him.

Barbara Allen

September 10, 2013

Dear Steph- My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you during this terible time. I hope you will remember that I still care for you, as I cared for Ron.
Love, Barbara A (RN)

August 30, 2013

So sorry for your loss. May he be at peace with his son. Brenda and Russ Adams

Anastacia Shimek

August 28, 2013

What a privilege it was to have worked for such a man. Ron made work exciting! The only thing that impressed me more than his zest for life was his vocabulary. Reading Ron's memos was always a delight and an education. Ron made me feel that my contribution to his legal work was valuable even though I am not a lawyer. I am grateful to have known him. Ron surely left his mark on the world. May he rest in peace.

August 28, 2013

Ron was the kind of friend that, regardless of the time that passed, you would always start off as if no time had passed.

Fred Bolchoz

August 27, 2013

I will miss you so my friend of 49 years God bless you for all you have done for so many my father died age 59 of 2 packs of cigaretes a day . with best reguards your friend Fred Bolchoz

Stephen Soule

August 27, 2013

Ron made many friends. His friends in Vermont extend their heartfelt condolences to Ron's family. Stephen Soule

Anthony Sellitto

August 27, 2013

My deepest condolences to Ron's family and all my friends and colleagues at Motley Rice. Ron had no equal in the legal profession.

Trina Lowery-Greenwood

August 26, 2013

To Jiffy and Sandra, I just wanted the both of you to know that you are in my prayers. After losing my Dad in April and my Grandmother in July, my life just feels empty. When I heard the news I cried for you, but knowing that Mark is there for your Dad hopefully will make it easier. I miss the both of you, and hope that we may see each other soon. Trina Lowery-Greenwood 1-2-3

Lucille Jordan

August 26, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the Motley's family. Mr. Motley was a remarkable and respectful person.

Mindy Porter

August 26, 2013

Stephanie, I'm so sorry for your loss!! My thoughts and prayers are with you!! Love you bunches!!

Kim Camarda

August 26, 2013

My condolences to Jiffy and all of Ron's family. He was a good friend to me, and when I first started working at Ness Motley, I realized why the firm was so successful. He was truly dedicated to his clients...a quality that is often lost when attorneys reach the level of success that Ron had achieved. I feel lucky that I had the opportunity to work with him at trial. His brilliance in the courtroom was astounding. It was one of the BEST experiences of my life! He NEVER forgot where he came from, and always treated his staff (and everyone else for that matter) as his equal. I will miss him.

Joan Molinaro

August 25, 2013

Ron, I want to thank you for giving me the chance to fight the terrorists that killed my son on 9/11. I thank you for caring about this mother. You were a Giant among men and you were my Hero. You will live in my heart forever. I hope you and Mark are having a great time. I hope you have met Carl too. I am honored to have known you. May the Lord wrap your family in His loving arms and give them peace.

Ethan porter

August 25, 2013

Stephanie im sorry for your loss. I'm thinking of you. Love Ethan porter

M. Thomas Martin

August 25, 2013

God Bless You Ron, I know he did all of us with you.

Oscar & Stacy Douglas

August 25, 2013

For all those who loved and cared for Ron, before you shed your first tear, picture the embrace of Ron & Mark as they met in heaven, and this should bring a gentle smile to your face. For God has called home His "Great Orator". ~ Be Blessed

Tina Browder-Johnston

August 25, 2013

Stephanie, Jennifer & Family

I am so sorry for your loss. I experienced his kindness and generosity, while working at Motley Rice. I pray that you will find peace in the days to come. You have many people around you that love you.

Sending prayers!

Steven Williams

August 25, 2013

Stephanie, you continue to be in our prayer. you have our deepest condolences in your loss. Ron loved to be a blessing to the Children of Lord of the Harvest Church. - Drs. Steven & Marlene Williams

Donna Mazzella

August 25, 2013

As a paralegal in Charleston, WV, I had the opportunity to work with Ron and to get to know him personally. His dedication to the cause coupled with his extraordinary prowess in the courtroom left an impression on me that remains unparalleled by any lawyer I've seen to this very day. The world has lost the very best.

Melissa Zanni

August 24, 2013

Ron was a wonderful friend to my brother, Mark Commander. I know the tow of them are having a blast in heaven. Melissa

Thelma Floyd

August 24, 2013

Stephanie,I am sorry for your loss.I am praying for you.Remember their is one that can help you get through your sorrows.I'm here for you if you need me .Ron was a very generous and kind hearted man. You will always have your precious memories,no one can take those away.Love you,Grandma

Denny Ciganovic

August 24, 2013

My condolences to his family and fellow legal colleagues. I did not know him personally, but, was aware of the challenging cases he tackled and have the highest regard and admiration for his doing these.

August 24, 2013

A prince of a co-counsel, and incredible gladiator for his clients. A courageous force for good. God be with you Ron. Mary Ellen Keegan, Esq.

August 24, 2013

Ron Will be missed by Melton. Virginia,and Peter. Avery special person.

Karen Porter

August 24, 2013

Stephanie,we are so sorry for your loss,we know how much you love him and we know you will miss him .Love you, The Porter Family

DON SANDERS

August 24, 2013

THE "MAGNIFICENT SEVEN" IS NOW ONLY FIVE
WE ALL WILL BE THERE ON TUESDAY
DON

Rev. Nathan and Dorothy Huff

August 24, 2013

Sympathy to all.

Paul Pritchard

August 24, 2013

My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Motley's family and friends. He was a phenomenal man.

Jennifer and Michael Alphonse

August 23, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ron's family and friends during this difficult time. We are deeply sorry for your loss.

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