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Thomas Ronald "Root" Durham
Thomas Ronald "Root" Durham
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Thomas Durham Obituary
Thomas Ronald "Root" Durham
Thomas Ronald Durham, 67, of Crozet, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 30, 2010, with his family by his side. He succumbed to melanoma cancer after a valiant fight for over a year.
He was born on December 16, 1942, the youngest child of the late George W. Durham Sr. and Virginia Estelle Lamb Durham of Charlottesville. In addition to his parents, Ron was also predeceased by two sisters, Dorothy Durham Leake and Maybelle Durham Shipp.
He is survived by his beloved son, Troy Ronald Durham and his wife, Kelly, of Glen Allen, Virginia; his beloved daughter, Ashley Elizabeth Durham-Smith and her husband, Joshua, of Crozet, Virginia; his beloved companion, Michele Pascarella; his two adorable grandsons, Thomas John "Tucker" Durham and Patrick Nelson "Patch" Durham, also of Glen Allen, Virginia; his siblings, George W. "Junior" Durham Jr. and his wife, Kitty, of Lake Monticello, Bradley Durham and his wife, Jeanette, of Charlottesville, Bob Durham and his wife, Joan, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Cleo Durham Kingrea and her husband, Bill, of Elkton, Virginia; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 9 pm Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at Crozet Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2010, at Crozet Baptist Church with the Reverend Colleen Swingle-Titus officiating. Interment to follow at Rock Gate Cemetery. A reception will follow the service at the Elks Lodge.
Friends may send condolences to the family at www.hillandwood.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rebecca Mawyer
October 17, 2010
Troy and family, I was so sorry to hear of Ronalds passing. My heart goes out to you all. I've thought about you and your family many times over the years and miss Estelle (Hoot-Nannie) as well! I loved her so much! Please contact me at [email protected] You would remember me as Becky Bibb! I'd love to talk to you and some of your family!!
Andy Saunders
September 20, 2010
I worked with Ronnie many years. I am an agent with State Farm and we went back a long time. Enjoyed my association with him. Sorry for your loss
Howard & Helen Thurston
September 9, 2010
Michelle,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. We know you did your best to care for him and his family during his illness because that is the kind of person you are. May you find comfort in the memories you have of him and know that he appreciated and cherished everything you did for him.
Bill Leatherman
September 9, 2010
Bradley & Bobby,
Sorry to hear about Ronnie's passing. I am glad I had the opportunity to visit with him at the Belmont Reunions. We had a lot of great times together growing up. He was a fun guy!
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Beverly Shifflett- Thomas
September 9, 2010
I learned of Ronnie's death today,and was very sad. My condolences to the loved ones he leaves behind. R.I.P.
Lynn Rutherford-Snow
September 8, 2010
Troy, Ashley, Kelly, Joshua, Tucker, Patrick, and Michele ~
What a wonderful uplifting service today! Your beloved Daddy, Papa Root, and companion would have loved it! All the people who attended the visitation last evening and the service today, is a testiment of all the lives he touched during his 67 years. To Troy and Ashley, your Daddy loved you both more than life itself. He was so very, very proud of you. To Kelly and Joshua, he felt he was blessed to have both of you in his family and that God blessed both of his children with wonderful spouses to share the rest of their life with. To Tucker and Patrick, Papa Root loved you and would light up when you two were around. To Michele, you were his soulmate. Thank you so very much for being there for his children and him during his illness and final journey home. May God hold each of you in the palm of his hand. Know he will be with you always and will look forward to seeing you again one day. As the departing song today "Please Remember Me", know that you all have so many, many special memories of him. Love and Prayers, Jimmy and Lynn Rutherford-Snow (Mother)
September 8, 2010
My sympathies to the family. I've known Ronnie since high school and we worked together at State Farm in the early years. We have continued our friendship through our High School Class reunions -- we will truly miss him at our 50th next year.
May God bless each of you with happy memories.
Sincerely, Brenda Weakley Croxton
Sue Stringfield
September 8, 2010
Troy and Family, I am so sad to read of your Dad's death. Ronnie was a good person & loved his children. Trust in God and he will walk beside you & you will meet again in Heaven.
September 7, 2010
To Ashley and family
It was with a great sense of loss when I heard of Ronnie's death. I wanted to let you know that you have my greatest sympathy and my heart is truly saddened by his loss. Ronnie was more than just a wonderful person; he was always so kind and considerate to me and I always welcomed seeing him and talking about golf. I know that his passing will not only leave a void in your lives, but in the hearts of all those who knew him. Ronnie will always remain within my fondest memories, and I want you to know that we have included Ronnie and you in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength.
With my deepest sympathy,
Don McCurdy, Charlottesville
G.L. Kirby III
September 6, 2010
Michele, Troy and Ashley I am so sorry to hear of Rooters passing. He and I had a wonderful relationship through the game of golf and I always enjoyed every moment I got to share with him on the course. I will always remember that smile. God Bless.
Brenda and Frances Durham
September 5, 2010
My mother and I were so sorry to hear about Ronnie. Our prayers are with all of the family in this time of grief and loss.
Linda Sorrells
September 4, 2010
To Ashley and Family,
I only meet your Dad a few years ago, but he knew my father, and they were so much alike. Loved life and their daughters. We will all be together in heaven.
I can't wait to see my Dad and I know you will be seeing yours.
GOD said he would never leave us or forsake us and I BELIEVE this is true. Trust in the LORD and he will see you through.
GOD BLESS
September 4, 2010
So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was always so very nice to me when I was coming up thru high school and after. May God bless your family and give you all the strength to pull together and get through this difficult time!
Michael Barbour (Charlottesville Va.)
Judith Wood Knight
September 4, 2010
May you rest in peace and play a lot of golf in heaven. I remember Ronnie's green conv. with the first record player in it and we had some good times. To Ronnie's family...remember the good times and know that he is in a better place.
Lynn Rutherford-Snow
September 4, 2010
Michele ~ So sorry about the loss of your beloved Ron. Thank you so very much for being there for my daughter Ashley and her brother Troy. Not only did you help to take care of their Daddy, you loved him too. My prayer is that God will be with you and comfort you in the days ahead. Love ~ Jimmy and Lynn Rutherford-Snow
Lynn Rutherford-Snow
September 4, 2010
Ashley, Troy, Joshua, Kelly, Tucker, and Patrick ~
So sorry about the loss of your Daddy and Papa Root. He played a major role in each of your lives and someone you looked up to and very proud to call Daddy and Papa Root. My prayer is that God will hold each of you in the palm of his hand. May your many, many special memories comfort you in the days ahead. A life well lived! "I know he will be with you always in your heart ~ and by thinking of him and keeping his memory alive, he will have never gone." Love and prayers ~ Jimmy and Lynn (Mother) Rutherford-Snow
Amy Harris
September 4, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
September 4, 2010
Ashley, My prayers are with you at this time. Hang in there.
Alice Vest
North Garden Va
September 3, 2010
Troy, Ashley, & Families,
We were so sorry to hear about Ronnie' s passing. Since we left Charlottesville and moved to North Myrtle Beach, we haven't seen him, but will always remember him and sitting with him so many years at the football games. He and Ed knew each other for many years. Let your memories of him keep you going and know that others care. Ed & Linda Shiflett
Ellen Shifflett Turner
September 3, 2010
My deepest sympathy to all of the Durham Family in this time of sorrow. I remember Ronnie "Deanie Bird" since we went to elementary and high school together. He was always laughing and joking around.
Burt Keeble
September 3, 2010
Happy Trails, "Deanie."
Troy & Brenda Lucas
September 3, 2010
I was sad to hear of Ronnie's death. I know that Aunt Dot and Mama were waiting to greet him as he entered God's Kingdom. My prayers and thoughts go with each and everyone during this time of loss!
Kathy Jones
September 3, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jennifer Ward
September 3, 2010
To Mr. Durham's friends and family: I am so very sorry for your loss. He was so close to our family, and when ever I saw him, he made me laugh and he made me feel special.
Robin Douglas
September 3, 2010
Thoughts and Prayers to all-
Gloria Green
September 3, 2010
Ashley, my thoughts and prayers are with you; may you find comfort knowing God is with you Remember me? MS. Green
James Ragland
September 3, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. Ronnie was such a fun loving person and will never be forgotten.
September 3, 2010
I am very sorry to hear about Ronnie I have known him since high scholl and played alot of basketball with him. I called my brother Harry in Mckinney Va to let him Know as Harry worked with bradley and knew Ronnie I Saw Ronnie at the Belmont meeting along with Bradley and Bobby and I knew he had cancer after talking with Ronnie one time. I am sorry but I cannot make the Family night as I have health problems and cannot drive very far but my prayers and thoughts will be with Ronnie Family and if I can help in any way call me 977-1536
Bobby Jones
September 3, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Root was a special man and will be missed by everyone. He is now free of pain, rest in peace.
Dianne Saylor
September 3, 2010
My prayers are with you all during these difficult times. May God continue to give you all strength
Rhonda Nelson Jennings
September 3, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. We are assured of seeing Ronnie again on the other side. Please allow God's promise of this comfort you at this time.
The Robert C Nelson family
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