Ronald Edward Shuey

Ronald E. Shuey ("Ron") passed away peacefully at his home in Crozet, VA on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at age 67. He was a unique and colorful individual. Born on July 24, 1948, Ron was raised by his parents, Marion & Leona Shuey in Staunton, VA along with his younger brother, Gary Shuey. He met his true love, Linda at Riverheads High School where he tried to flirt with her by squirting water down her shirt from the aquarium in biology class. He won her heart in college when he hitchhiked in rain storms to visit her at Erskine College in South Carolina. He showered her with art, cards, and letters. They fell in love and were married on August 24, 1968 at Old Providence Church in Spottswood, VA. Ron obtained his master's degree in accounting from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. Ron often pushed the limits of expression by writing controversial newspaper articles in his college paper, protesting the Vietnam war, listening to the heaviest rock 'n' roll, dancing the "crocodile" on the floor, roaring with laughter, and diving into his vast artistic endeavors. He became increasingly passionate in his art throughout the years and finally found his favorite medium: airbrush illustration. Ron & Linda raised two kids, Wendy & Sam, and he inspired and encouraged the pursuit of their artistic careers. He is survived by his wife, Linda Shuey of Crozet; daughter, Wendy Shuey of Taos, NM; son, Sam Shuey of Crozet; granddaughter, Zoe Haze Shuey of Staunton; brother, Gary Shuey and his wife, Nannette Shuey of Staunton; nephew, Dean Shuey and his daughter Lea of Summerville, SC; a brother-in-law and sisters-in-law of Augusta County; as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Marion E. Shuey & Leona M. Shuey. Ron was a loving, wild, adventurous, hilarious spouse, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He had a dual career as a CPA and airbrush artist. He was an accountant for Arthur Andersen in Washington D.C. and Sally, Weissinger & Co. in Charlottesville before starting a partnership with Keith Shaner. He eventually formed his own accounting business in combination with his art studio in downtown Charlottesville. He appreciated his many loyal clients and friends. He was featured on the cover of Airbrush Magazine, taught many airbrush workshops, body painted at festivals such as Woodstock '99; and worked on various local film and music video projects by body painting zombies and leopard print ladies. He was also Santa Claus for the lighting of the Christmas tree on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall, at the Discovery Museum, and other events. He loved life and was a jolly being with a grand sense of humor who showed us all how to embrace the beauty in both light and dark aspects of creativity. He touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."