Ronald Joe Poe, age 78 of Sanford, died Sunday (9/24/2017) at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. He was born on August 11, 1939, son of the late Woodrow Wilson Poe and Jean Devries Van Ess. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Jennifer Lynn Poe West and son, Steven Lee Poe. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy and retired from the United States Coast Guard. Memorial service will be conducted at 5:30 pm Thursday at the Christian Faith Ministries in Sanford with Rev. Donald Kivett officiating. Surviving is his wife, Janet Pacleb Poe of the home. Son, Ronald Poe Jr. and wife Lisa of Medina, Ohio. Sisters Linda Becker and husband Paul of Michigan and Debbie Christmas and husband Frank of Zephyrhills, Florida. Brother David Van Ess and wife Linda of Florida. Son in law, Dennis West, eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements are by the Smith Funeral Home of Broadway.