Ronald Hellard Sr., 69, of Somerset , Kentucky , passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2011 following an illness at his residence.

He was born in Lexington , Kentucky on April 29, 1942, son of the late Stanley and Lucille Clemmons Hellard.  He was a local businessman of Somerset , Kentucky .  He was initiated into the Mt. Gilead Lodge #255 in Science Hill , Kentucky and became a 3rd degree master on June 22, 1985.  He was also a member of the Burnside lodge.  He was a district deputy Grandmaster of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Master of Lodge of Mt. Gilead for one year, treasurer of Mt. Gilead Lodge for several years and 33rd degree Master Mason.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Chapman Hellard, two children, Ron & (Kathy) Hellard Jr. and Margaret Brock & (fiancé Brillo), two grandchildren, Tessa Haste & (fiancé Chris) and Katelyn Hellard, one step grandchild, Brittany Atkins, four brothers, N.B. Hellard, Jimmy Hellard, Bobby Allen Hellard and Eugene Hellard, six sisters, Lucille Reeves, Luvena Jenkins, Jane McCoy, Doris Jean Buragen, Linda Hellard and Yvonne Hellard and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one step grandchild, Branddon Atkins, six brothers, Stanley Lee Sr., D.T., Wayne, Porter Ray, Edward Parks and a twin brother, Donald Hellard and two sisters, Lois Jean and Patricia Hellard.

A funeral service will be held at 8:30 PM Friday, September 30, 2011 at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home with a Masonic service. 

A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Blue Grass Memorial Gardens in Lexington, KY with Rev. Brandon Stinnett officiating, the nephew of Ronald Hellard. 

Visitation will be from 5 PM to 8:30 PM Friday at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home.