Ronnie C “Ron†McKinley
Ronnie C. “Ron†McKinley, 77 of Crestview was called home suddenly by his savior, on Monday, May 25, 2020, Memorial Day. Ron was born in Sacramento, CA on July 27, 1942, he was raised in McAllen, TX, after , marrying, he moved to Connecticut where he retired as Chief Yeoman (E-7) with the U.S. Navy, after 20 years of honorable service, during which he was stationed on the USS Norton Sound and the USS Chicago, while serving during Vietnam War. After retiring he worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Connecticut for 8 ½ years. He then moved his family to Crestview in 1993, where he worked with Okaloosa Transportation for 21 years as a driver. Ron was a member of LifePoint Church where he served as an Usher, Guest Services and Soup Kitchen, he also volunteered on 3 mission trips. Ron was an avid history buff; he enjoyed the Civil War and WWII. Ron’s heart was to serve people and volunteering to help others.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents, James and Doris McKinley. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years: Illona R McKinley, sister-in-law Paula Adams (J. DeWayne Adams), two nieces Deanna Nelsen (Paul) of Lizella, GA, Donna Erskine ( Michael) of Shelton, Conn, two nephews; Alexander Nelsen of St Mary’s, GA, Daniel Nelsen of Rosewell, GA, several cousins in Texas and many dear friends.
He will be missed by his wife Illona, whom he lovingly called his “little chickadeeâ€
Services will be held Saturday, May 30th at LifePoint Church, beginning at 11:00am with Pastor Michael Lugones. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11am Saturday at the Church.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Wounded Warriors foundation.
You may leave your condolences at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
Charles Perez (Navy Buddies)
May 28, 2020, 12:00 am
I had the pleasure of Serving with YNC Ron McKinley for many years, and also of knowing His wife Lona as well. Ron and I worked on Navy Recruiting where he would help to get all the necessary details together to help to complete the enlistment package. Ron was a remarkable person. When Ron and ILona left Stratford, Connecticut to move to Florida we lost two great friends. Ron & ILona . Their departure was Stratford's loss and it proved to be Crestview's gain. The McKinley's worked with their church & other veterans in the area. We will miss Ron & are here for ILona. God Bless Ron and ILona.
Ken and Carmen Johnson (Friends)
May 29, 2020, 12:00 am
Our deepest condolences for Mrs. Ilona and Family, our hearts go out to you, he will be surely missed. He was a true Christian in every sense, We loved him Dearly.
Dobbs Family (Friends)
May 29, 2020, 12:00 am
We will dearly miss his sweet spirit and smiling face.
Our sincere condolences to Illona and family.
Linda Highlander (Friend)
May 29, 2020, 12:00 am
Charlie and I were so heartbroken to hear of Ron’s passing. So many wonderful memories of our times together at Lifepoint. In our hearts and in our prayers.
Darryl Sigur (Friend)
May 30, 2020, 12:00 am
Words fail to clearly express the loss of such a dear friend whom walking into a room with his smile and words added so much. His prayers spoken in pray at the men’s fellowship were for church family, loved one, our nation and all he came in contact with. No one was forgotten or placed aside. He shared memories of passing including seeing Sandy and Mary Jo coming together, their daughters which Ron and wife held close as their own and serving others. God has truly blessed many through the unselfish services Ron freely surrendered to the needy and I am so thankful I could witness this friendship. He will be missed greatly. There is no question of his salvation and therefore, my friend, we will see you in the light of our God, our Savior Jesus Christ.
Kathy Avery Rigillo (Friend)
May 31, 2020, 12:00 am
My sincere sympathy to you Ilona on Ron’s passing. How I will always remember all of us – Jack, Lillian, Cindy, me, you and Ron – the gang from the Bridgeport recruiting station; the parades, the Mini-Mo, the dogs (Fang and our beloved Lady). Ron was 100% U.S. Navy and I always loved spending time with both of you. Words cannot express the kind of person Ron was for the time we had with you in CT. Fair winds and following seas sailorâ¤ï¸ðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¸