Page created by: Kathryn Kelley

Ronald Henry Kelley, age 79, passed away at his home in Bristol, VA, on November 12, 2021, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease, surrounded by loved ones.

He is survived by his wife, Angelia Akers Kelley, Bristol, VA, and one sister, Betty Kelley Akers, Elliston, VA; daughters Kathryn Lynette Kelley, Columbus, OH, Alison Melissa Kelley, Zanesville, OH, Christine Kelley Schultz and husband Dennis, Bristol, VA, Jacqueline Veronica Kelley, Columbus, OH, Victoria Jessica Kelley, Johnson City, TN; beloved grandsons, Orryn Carrick McGlone, Emory, VA, Braxton Kelley Arie Schultz, Bristol, VA, and beloved granddaughter, Kamora Madison Okamoto, Johnson City, TN.

Ronald was born in Catawba, VA, in August of 1942; he graduated from Shawsville High School and was active in basketball and baseball, even being invited by the Pittsburgh Pirates to try out as a pitcher.

He attended Ferrum College and joined the National Guard. He was a retired senior construction inspector with the Virginia Department of Transportation and considered by his co-workers as the “best bridge man in the state of Virginia.” Ron’s 34-year VDOT career had him working in all parts of the state, from Fairfax County building part of the Capital Beltway at Bailey’s Crossroads; the “new” bridge at Manassas Battlefield Park, I-81 bridges on Christiansburg Mountain, a seven-bridge interchange at Atkins, VA, and the Exit 7 widening of bridges on I-81, Bristol, VA, where he retired. He then went on the work for consulting firms Schwartz & Associates and RK & K.

Ron lived life to the fullest. He loved traveling and camping with his daughters when they were young. He was an avid runner and a member of the Blue Ridge Running Club. He continued traveling with Angie all over the country until Parkinson’s disease kept him from his favorite pastime. He was an avid sports fan of NHL hockey, college football and basketball, Cincinnati Reds baseball, Washington football and horse racing, where he spent many spring and fall meets at Keeneland in Lexington KY, with family and friends. Ron will be greatly missed by all who loved him.