Dr. Ronald Ervin Beller

BELLER, Dr. Ronald Ervin, of Midlothian, passed away on Saturday, April 6 at the age of 88. The son of E.C. and Marion Beller and a native of Cincinnati, Ronald moved to Fort Lauderdale as a teen and graduated from the University of Florida in 1957 with a degree in industrial engineering. He later earned an MBA from Kent State University and returned to his Florida alma mater for a PhD in macroeconomics. His long career in academia began at Wake Forest University; he then served as VP for Finance and Administration at the University of South Alabama from 1972-77, Provost and Executive Vice President of VCU in Richmond from 1977-80, and President of East Tennessee State University from 1980-1991. He ended his career as Executive Vice President & COO of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the premier international association for oncology professionals, and held multiple board associations along the way. He was the author of several articles appearing in financial and educational journals, a consultant to the National Institutes of Health, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and a number of public and private institutions, including the NCAA College Presidents Commission. Ronald was predeceased by his son Brad Beller and granddaughter Deborah Lee Walker, both in February of 2006. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judith, and by children Julie Walker of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Debbie Willis (Russell) of Nashville TN, Lee Anne Holdren (Mike) of Glen Allen, VA, James E. Beller of Bulls Gap, Tennessee, Elizabeth (Dennis) Smith of Durham, NC, and Ron Jr. (Ann) of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his sister Judith B. Gibbons, grandchildren Brian Walker (Robin), Claiborne Willis Hilliard (Dougie), Merritt Willis Matthews (Brian), Dennis Smith (Emma), Sarah Holdren, Claire Beller, and Christopher Beller, and great-grandchildren Hailee, Nathaniel, Kayla, and Adelyn Walker, and Bradley Stewart Matthews. Having retired in 2006, Ronald spent his later years puttering about his yard, attempting an occasional golf game, and watching the University of Florida Gators, whom he was convinced lost only when he watched them. He especially enjoyed a good martini or glass of wine and the New York Times crossword puzzle. The family is thankful for the caring support provided to our father by Assisting Hands Home Care, in particular Steve M. whose consideration and compassion were greatly appreciated. Services will be private.