James Ronald Vaughan

Son of the South, James Ronald (JR/Ronnie) Vaughan entered heaven's gates on November 2, 2025, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Ronnie was born 85 years ago to Raymond Henry Vaughan and Alma Irene Cliborne Vaughan in Darvills, Virginia, a community centered on Christ, Family, and Friends.
Upon graduating from Dinwiddie High School, Ronnie became employed at Fort Pickett near Blackstone, Virginia. He also worked at Fort Lee, near Petersburg, Virginia. He was drafted into the United States Army and stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas for his entire tour (1963-1965). He was honorably discharged and began his life-long career with the Central Telephone Company (Centel) of Virginia in Blackstone, Virginia. He later transferred to Charlottesville, Virginia with his wife, and raised a family. Ronnie carried with him cherished memories of his fellow co-workers until his death.
Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Vaughan (father) and Irene Vaughan (mother); brothers, Ammon Vaughan, Raymond Vaughan (Muriel), Edgar Vaughan (Anne), and sister Helen Williamson (James); father-in-law, Robert Norris, mother-in-law, Jenny Ruth Norris, and beloved grandson Richard Hughes, II. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Carolyn Vaughan, daughters, Dr. Michele Taylor (Tracy), and Nicole Vaughan; sister-in-law Christine Vaughan, sister-in-law Glenda Koger (Hal), special niece, Valerie Hazlitt, along with many additional remarkable nieces and nephews whom he loved very much.
Ronnie was a devoted, unassuming, loving and gentle Christian man. He believed actions spoke louder than words, and this is how he strived to serve the Lord by his demure example. Ronnie boasted a 6'7" frame that was intimidating to some, but embodied a humble, teddy bear presence. He especially loved nature and animals, and was referred to as the "animal whisperer." Ronnie also loved muscle cars, and once owned a 1966 maroon GTO. His appreciation for classic cars, and speed lives on in his daughters.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Beaverdam Baptist Church in Troy, Virginia. Burial will follow immediately at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Beaver Dam Baptist Church.