Ronald E. Easley, age 79 of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away on October 25, 2020 at Medilodge of Wyoming. Ron was born in Logan, West Virginia on March 13, 1941 to Sam & Pansy (Counts) Easley Jr.
Attending Logan High School, Ron earned the respect of the entire school when he was the first student athlete to compete at the state level for the wrestling team. After graduating in 1959, Ron received a full tuition scholarship to wrestle at Marshall University where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree.
As our country was at war, Ron entered the US Army and was sent to Vietnam where he served 2 tours and earned the rank of Captain. Ron was a highly decorated soldier earning the National Defense Service Medal; Parachutist Badge; Army Aviator Badge; Vietnam Service Medal w/6 bronze service stars; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Air Medal with 50th Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal w/Valor device; Air Medal with 7th Oak Leaf Cluster w/Valor device; Presidential Unit Citation; Bronze Star w/Oak Leaf Cluster and 4 Overseas Bars; Vietnam Air Medal; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/bronze star; Master Aviation Badge; and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm. After returning home he continued as a member of the Army Reserves retiring after earning the rank of Major.
After returning to civilian life, Ron worked as a commercial pilot, and then finished his career working for the US Postal Service.
Always active in his community, Ron was a 33rd degree Mason, a Shriner and member of the American Legion. He also was a Boy Scout for 50 years and was proud to have earned his Wood Badge Training.
Ron is survived by his wife of 52 years, Phyllis (Wolfe) Easley, his sister Ruth Reynolds of Lake Mary, FL, his aunt Louise Coster of Tampa, FL; his nephews: Samuel & James Reynolds of Lake Mary, FL, Lt. Col. Matthew Cook of Camp Lejeune, NC, Ryan Cook of Myrtle Beach, SC, Charlie Wolfe of Anderson, SC; his niece Elizabeth Wolfe of Arlington, VA as well as many great nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Sam & Pansy (Counts) Easley, his grandparents Opie Sr. & Mollie Harmon and Sam Sr. and Hattie L. Easley.
Cremation has taken place. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery on June 9, 2021, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Boy Scout Troop 217, 66 Deer Path Trail, Logan WV 25601.
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