Ronald Lee "Ronnie" Dooley

1950 - 2025

Ronald "Ronnie" Lee Dooley, 75, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. Born on March 11, 1950, in Montvale, Virginia, Ronnie was one of 14 children of the late John LaFayette Dooley and Mildred Juanita Hartberger Dooley. To his family and friends in Virginia, he was also lovingly known as "Ben."

Ronnie's life was defined by his hard work, loyalty, and deep commitment to his family. In 1973, he married Trudy and became a father to her son, David. They soon welcomed their daughter, Dana. Ronnie and Trudy raised their children in Roanoke and Blue Ridge.

In 1986, with the exciting news of their first grandchild, they made the decision to move to North Pole, Alaska, to be closer to David and his wife, who were stationed at Eielson Air Force Base. A skilled carpenter by trade, Ronnie worked in North Pole and Fairbanks until Trudy's passing in 2008. Following some health challenges, he made the difficult decision to move back to Roanoke to be near his siblings.

Ronnie found a new purpose working as a bus aide for special needs students in the Roanoke County School District. He met his wife, Gigi Beckner and they married in 2017. Ronnie was a man who never met a stranger, and his circle of friends and acquaintances was vast. He enjoyed listening to country music, fishing, hunting, and traveling. Above all, he was passionate about being a provider and protector for his family.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his first wife, Trudy; his parents, John and Juanita; his brothers, Richard Dooley and Donald G. "Buck" Dooley; and his sisters, Evelyn Welch, Brenda Dooley and Sally Grubb.

He is survived by his wife, Gigi Beckner; children, David Boyens and wife Bobbi Jo, and Dana Silva and husband Charles; and stepson, Michael Beckner and wife Lora. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, David Boyens II, Denise Serino and husband Stephen, Brady Boyens, Kennedy George-Silva and wife Brianna, Ellen Silva and fiancee' Emma, and Dean Silva; step-grandchildren, Raven Beckner and Brody Beckner; and his siblings, Robert Dooley, Catherine Moore, Diane Starkey and husband Larry, Carl Wayne Dooley, Roger Dooley and wife Genny, Steve Dooley, Mary Sue Plunkett and husband Ed, and Vickie Chambers and husband Marvin. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whose lives he touched immeasurably. He is truly one with God and his passing comes with eternal peace.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Edgewood Christian Church in Roanoke, Virginia, with burial to follow at Montvale Presbyterian Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held in Fairbanks at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory in Bedford, Virginia. To send online condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.