Ronald Michael McKinley

Ron was born in Shippenville, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, to the late Willis and Edna Lander McKinley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence David McKinley. Ron graduated from Norview High School, Class of 1964, and from Old Dominion College, Class of 1968, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He was a lifetime member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, Zeta Pi Chapter. During the Vietnam War, Ron proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a Medical Technologist. He was stationed at the United States Air Force Hospital Wiesbaden (AFBE) in Germany, once the largest American hospital in Europe. Ron was honorably discharged in 1972 as a Staff Sergeant (E-5) and returned to Norfolk, Virginia.

Following his military service, Ron continued to serve his country as a Medical Technologist before later becoming an Emergency Management Specialist for the Commander of Naval Station Norfolk. He retired in 2003 after completing 31 years of faithful civil service.

Outside of work, Ron was a devoted and active member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Virginia Beach for over 40 years. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, 1st Degree. Ron always dreamed of becoming a pilot and loved following private pilots online and watching videos of their flights. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life was deeply rooted in service to his Catholic faith, family, and country. He enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, snow skiing, reading, and was known for his generous heart and kindness to others. Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his family. Ron married the love of his life, Susan Ruth Schuh, and together they celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of over 50 years, Susan; his four children, Michelle McKinley Gehrt (Brandon), Amanda McKinley Meador (Bill), David McKinley (Amy), and Mark McKinley (Natalie); six beautiful grandchildren; his sister, Elaine Turner; his sister-in-law, Margaret McKinley; and a host of loving family members and friends.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on Friday February 6, 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in his honor to the Discalced Hermits of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (www.edcarm.org) or St. Vincent Basilica (www.stvincentbasilica.org). Please visit his webpage at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com to leave condolences for his family.