Ronald W. McElliott

Ronald W. McElliott

February 27, 1951 – February 16, 2026

On February 16, 2026, Ronald Warren McElliott, a godly man of extreme courage and boundless love for his family, passed away in Medford, Oregon, just 11 days shy of his 75th birthday, after a long and valiant battle against hereditary amyloidosis.

Ron was born on February 27, 1951, and grew up on Mather Air Force Base in California. His father, Don Mitchell McElliott, and his mother, Nelda Fay McElliott, raised their son to have a sense of duty that would define his life. He answered the call to serve during the Vietnam War, enlisting in the United States Army. One day while on leave, Ron gave his sister's friend, Becky, a ride home from school, and that was it. It was love at first sight, and the two were married just two weeks later, in Hawaii. With Becky's support and Ron's tenacity and skill, he joined the elite ranks of the Army Rangers. They traveled around the globe as Ron served his country and the two of them raised their three children. In his final years in the Army, Ron served as an ROTC instructor at Texas A&M and, ultimately, as First Sergeant for Camp Frank D. Merrill in Dahlonega, Georgia, the mountain phase of the U.S. Army Ranger School. Ron had a deep love for the North Georgia Mountains and Dahlonega, which he considered his hometown. The values of "Rangers Lead the Way" stayed with him long after he hung up his uniform, manifesting in his protection and guidance of his loved ones. After over 23 years of service in the Army, Ron moved back to Northern California to care for family and then enjoyed retirement in beautiful Medford, Oregon.

To his children, Ron was a hero; to his nieces and nephews, the "cool" uncle who always had a (very) crazy story or a bit of hard-earned wisdom to share. As a grandfather and great-grandfather, Ron took immense pride in watching his legacy grow, teaching the younger generations the importance of integrity, resilience, and what he was convinced was a well-timed joke. He loved to fish, fly model airplanes, tell stories of jumping out of airplanes, watch Gunsmoke, and spoil his grandchildren. He ALWAYS had enough time to talk to his grandchildren on the phone, even if they just wanted to make silly faces with him for twenty minutes on FaceTime. He had a running joke with them that they were all "chickens," except, of course, when he called everyone on Thanksgiving to tell them "Happy Birthday" because then they were all turkeys.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Sandy, Donna, and Diane. Ron is survived by a large and loving family who will carry forward his stories and his strength. He leaves behind:

Becky McElliott, his beloved wife of 55 years, his children, Christina (Shane) Lindsey of Virginia, Don (Kate) McElliott II of Dahlonega, Georgia, and Ronald (Valerie) McElliott, Jr. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his grandchildren, Holley Lindsey, Ashton (Josh) Duran, Ana (Chris) Littlefield, Jacob Lindsey, Don McElliott III, Fiona McElliott, Luke McElliott, Desmond McElliott, Robinson McElliott, and Xiana McElliott; his great-grandchildren, Alexander Duran and Kensley Duran; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Ron also leaves a brotherhood of veterans who will always remember his bravery and camaraderie. He earned many decorations, medals, citations, and campaign ribbons in his years of service and was most proud of his Master Parachutist Badge and his French Armed Forces Commando Badge. Ron traveled most every year "home" to Dahlonega to attend the annual Ranger Days and Critter Cook-Out and visit with lifelong Ranger buddies.

Ron was a man who lived fully, served bravely, and loved deeply. Though he has completed his final tour of duty, his "Ranger" spirit remains in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Cards for condolences can be sent to 530 Golf View Dr, Medford, OR 97504. Donations can be made in Ron's honor to The Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund (leadthewayfund.org) or to the Amyloidosis Foundation (amyloidosis.org). To share a memory of Ron, or a condolence with the family, you may also visit Perl Funeral Home (perlfuneralhome.com).