Ronald Scearce

1963 - 2025

From the fiery hellholes of the Middle East to the remote mountains of Haiti, Air Force Master Sergeant Ronald Steven Scearce served his country with bravery and honor that marked the rest of his life, even after retiring to his home in Southside Virginia.

At that home, surrounded by his family, Ron Scearce died at peace on November 6, 2025. His passing concluded a 14-year battle against military-related peritoneal mesothelioma, more recently complicated by an additional cancer diagnosis. He was 62.

Ron Scearce is survived by his wife of 35 years, Alisa Kovalik Scearce, and their three children: Alek, Adryenne and Anna. Other survivors are his brother, Jim (Vanessa), sister, Cheryl (David Rubenstein) and a niece and nephew. Ron was predeceased by his parents Betty Harvey and Ronald T. Scearce, as well as a brother, Kenneth Wayne Scearce.

Born in Danville on September 14, 1963, Ron graduated from George Washington High School in 1981 and immediately joined the United States Air Force. As a Security Forces Defender he guarded the nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile fields at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. After cross training to communications he often worked on the cutting edge with U. S. Special Forces and in combat zones. He served his country on active duty and as a contractor all over the world, including Germany, Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Panama and Haiti, earning numerous medals and commendations. Ron capped off his career as a senior enlisted leader in the 5th Combat Communications Group at Robins AFB, GA, the storied "5th Mob". He retired from the USAF after 22 years and worked 6 years for a government defense contractor until his diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Back home, as a deeply conservative advocate for honest government, Ron Sceace was a key force in founding the local Tea Party chapter that, in time, morphed into Donald Trump's MAGA movement. He was an active member of the Republican Party as well as a life member of the National Rifle Association and active member of the Virginia Citizens Defense League. Ron's dedication to these groups' basic principles led him to run and win two terms on the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, representing the Westover District (2016-2023).

Robert Warren, who was chairman of the supervisors during those years, had a bird's eye view of Ron Scearce's impact. "His background in military communications was critically important as we worked out bringing widespread internet access to the county," Warren said. "And he played a tremendous role in our successful economic development initiatives."

"Ron was a great advocate for citizens at every level, and he showed the whole board the importance of listening," Warren added. "I never met anyone who was more honest and transparent in serving the public."

But, like patriots throughout American history, Ron Scearce paid a price for standing tall with his principles. As a supervisor, he argued for strict accountability and fiscal transparency in government affairs. Predictably, he stirred up a firestorm of opposition over his official position that area volunteer fire departments, all reliant on public funds, should submit their financial records for audits.

In the end, spurred on by detractors opposed to full accountability, volunteer firefighters coalesced to deliver Ron's defeat for re-election to a third term as supervisor. But he never blinked in standing for what he believed was right.

As news of Ron's death spread, tributes poured in from admirers in all walks of life. Nearly 11,000 Facebook viewers were registered on one site saluting Ron's service, such as that of Jane Kendrick who wrote, "Ron was a kind man who stood up for people when others turned their backs on them. He was a representative who understood the needs of citizens."

Commendations came from dozens like Mike Wheeler who simply wrote: "Ron was a strong man, both inside and out." Or from Tinker Burkhardt: "He loved this county and always wanted the best for it." Or from Tara Bowman Clayton: "He was such a good person and went above and beyond to help anyone in need." Or from Nancy Eanes: "Ron was a great man, honorable, loved to help anyone seeking his knowledge, cared deeply for our county and citizens, great teacher. He was a true leader."

Will Pace, chairman of the county Republican Party, commented to the newspaper that he was heartbroken to hear of Scearce's death: "He was a strong defender and fighter for conservative principles both locally and nationally. I was grateful for his involvement with the county GOP and our county government."

Henry Hurt, a longtime friend, wrote: "Ron Scearce was one of the rare figures in public life with the courage and integrity to pursue what was right--regardless of personal and political consequences. He has earned his glorious reward. May he rest in peace."

Funeral services for Ronald Scearce will be private. His family requests that those who wish to honor Ron consider a contribution in his name to the Wounded Warriors Project.