Ron Storey

Ronald William Storey lived his 91 years with what his children described as "a single priority"—to love the Lord Jesus with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. His life was a testament to faithful obedience to God's call, spanning decades of ministry across England and devoted service to World Gospel Mission.

Ron was born in Chester on December 20, 1932, the second of eight children. His mother Millicent was a self-taught seamstress, and his father Albert was a plumber. As a boy, Ron's passion was football, and his enthusiasm remained throughout his life. Even in his 60s, he would jump into games with teenage church members, determined to "show these young upstarts how to play real football."

As a teenager, Ron attended a church meeting mainly for the promised tea and buns. The church was packed, forcing the boys to sit on the front row. This was the first time Ron heard and understood the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. He left that meeting "a changed boy," beginning a Christian journey that would span his entire life. After becoming a Christian, Ron would talk about his faith to anyone who would listen. His younger sister Karen found his gentle encouragement through life's journey to be a real blessing. "When God opens a door," he would say, "you won't have to push it."

After initially studying architecture, Ron felt God's call to ministry and attended Emmanuel Bible College in Birkenhead, graduating in 1955. In 1957, he was ordained as a minister at Emmanuel Church Birmingham, where he served for 21 years.

Ron first saw Margaret from the pulpit while preaching in 1956 and told a friend, "I think I'm going to marry that girl." Margaret wasn't initially impressed with his sermon, but ten years later, on October 10, 1966, they were married in Barnsley. Margaret, born in Barnsley, Yorkshire, had been born again at twenty-one and felt God's call to ministry. She attended Emmanuel Bible College and served as a Deaconess before their marriage.

Together, they served faithfully at Emmanuel Church Birmingham, where they were not only pastor and pastor's wife but also gardeners, cleaners, builders, caterers, youth leaders, and musicians. During their time there, God blessed them with two children, Phil and Liz. In 1978, the family moved to Southport, where Ron became UK director of World Gospel Mission for 20 years, traveling throughout the UK and Northern Ireland speaking at churches and leading work parties to build churches and renovate hospitals in Kenya, Honduras, and Eastern Europe.

Ron was remembered as "a lovely gentleman in every way—kind, humble, and godly, always an encouragement." He had a cheeky sense of humor and loved practical jokes, teaching his children to make "apple pie beds" to prank missionaries staying at their house. Though "questionably able at DIY," he was always willing to help wherever needed. His enthusiastic singing was memorable—performed at one volume (very loud) and mostly in tune.

Ron was brave in his suffering toward the end, barely complaining and remaining cheeky as ever. When asked if he was all right, he would reply, "No, I'm half left." A few hours before he passed away, he managed to say, "Good night, everyone. God bless. I love you." As his children reflected, Ron lived with a single priority: "to strive to love the Lord Jesus with all of his heart, with all of his soul, with all of his mind, and with all of his strength."