Ronald Lee Shillingburg Sr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ronald Lee Shillingburg Sr., who was born in Keyser, West Virginia, on July 21, 1950, and went home to be with the Lord on September 5, 2026. Ronald was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. To those who knew him, he was truly a man made of steel—strong, determined, and seemingly able to withstand anything life placed in his path. But beneath that incredible strength was a man with a heart full of love who always cared about everyone else before himself. Ronald faced more than his share of battles throughout his life. He bravely battled nine different cancers, an aortic aneurysm, and many other health complications. Yet, even on his most painful days, he never wanted anyone to worry about him. He would look you straight in the eyes and simply say, “I’m okay.” Those two words said so much about the kind of man he was—strong, courageous, selfless, and always putting others before himself. Ronald proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he dedicated many years of his life to working for the City of Fairfax. When Ronald wasn’t spending time with his family, you could usually find him in his garage—his favorite place to be—listening to his beloved bluegrass music. He also loved watching the Dallas Cowboys. These simple moments brought him happiness, and they are the memories his family will hold forever within their hearts. Ronald lived his life with strength, love, faith, and an unwavering concern for others. He fought battles that most people could never imagine, yet he continued to smile, continued to love, and continued to tell those around him that he was okay. After a lifetime of fighting battles with courage and strength, he can finally lay down his burden and rest in the loving arms of the Lord. May he be surrounded by the peace and comfort he so richly deserved, free from pain and worry, and reunited with those who went before him. We will miss seeing him in his garage, hearing his bluegrass music, watching the Cowboys with him, and most of all, looking into his eyes and hearing those familiar words: “I’m okay.” He was stronger than anyone knew, loved more than he could ever imagine, and will never be forgotten. Ronald is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Shillingburg; his sons, Tony Shillingburg (wife, Celeste) and Ronald Lee Shillingburg Jr.; his daughters, Rhonda Wolfe (husband, Darrell) and Amanda Edenhart (husband, Jesse); his brothers, Lawrence J. Shillingburg and Steven R. Shillingburg; and his sister, Nancy Bolton. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Ronald’s memory to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Autism Speaks, the Hospice Foundation of America, or the American Cancer Society.

Ronald Lee Shillingburg Sr.

July 21, 1950 - September 5, 2026