Ronald Vergil McGarity

Ron was born on June 18, 1932 in Piqua, Ohio to the late Virgil C and Dorothy Beatrice McGarity. He retired from the USN with 21 years of service: Served in Korean Conflict and during Vietnam. Two tours of duty aboard the USS Essex during the Korean Conflict. He received the China Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. He served on the USS Intrepid for 6 years. They picked up astronaut Scott Carpenter and took part in the Cuban Blockade.

Ron was stationed in Adak, Alaska for 30 months and served on the commissioning crew of USS Sterett and USS Roark. He had shore duty in Meridian, MS during the 1960's Civil Rights Movement and aboard the USS Iwo Jima when they took part in clearing the Suez Canal and evacuating Americans from the Mid-East. We came as a family group from San Diego, CA to Norfolk, VA aboard the Iwo and Chris was baptized at sea (off coast of MX).

Ron retired from Ford Motor Co Assembly Plant in Norfolk, VA after 20 years. After retirement Ron and Dawn traveled 49 states and Mexico and Canada in their RV. When Ron got tired of driving they spent 7 winters in Lake Wales, FL. He was a member of Caroline Center Church, Fleet Reserve, and Brotherhood of Masons Lodge 681. He loved his animals, stayed up most of the night reading and playing video games.

Survivors include his wife Dawn McGarity of sixty-four years; siblings Beatrice Mae Von Whil (deceased) Vickie Miller (Tony) of Findlay, Ohio and stepbrothers Ronnie Gratz (deceased) (Sandy) and David Gratz (Cheryl); his children LeeAnn McGarity (Tom Leonard), Mike McGarity (Kristen), Mac McGarity (Janice) Mark McGarity, and Chris McGarity (Lauren); grandchildren Benjamin (Isabel), Patrick, Chelsea (Tim), Lexi (Ben), Ashton, Reid (deceased), Aaron (Abby) and Trey; great grandchildren Sully and Wes.

A graveside service will be held on September 4, 11:00 am at the Albert G. Horton, Jr., Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434 with full military honors and Masonic Rites.

Special thanks to Beth, Elaine and Philip.

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