Ronald Leo Eckman

Ronald Leo Eckman, 88, husband of Mildred Victoria Bly Eckman of Fredericksburg, Va, died Wednesday, June 18 at Spring Arbor Assisted Living Facility. Their marriage was blessed for 51 yeas before Mildred preceded Ronald in death.

Ronald was also preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Beatrice Eckman and brothers Franklin Jr., John, and George, as well as a sister, Beatrice. He is survived by his sister, Dolores Smith and her husband William M. Smith, Jr. of Mountville, PA. He is also survived by his “adopted” family Mark and Tammie Pugh and their children Alexis, Claire, and William, all of Fredericksburg, VA. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Ronald was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during the Korean War. He earned a degree in account from Pennsylvania State University and also became a CPA. He spent 33 years using his talents at the Department of Defense managing budgets and conducting audits. Ron then retired from the Department of Defense in 1991 which enabled him to travel with the love his life, Mildred.

Ronald and Mildred attended Spotswood Baptist Church of Fredericksburg until Mildred’s passing and then he attended Chancellor Baptist Church in Fredericksburg for the remainder of his days.

In addition, Ronald was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Ronald and Mildred enjoyed traveling the country researching their families’ genealogies. Ronald also enjoyed model trains and browsing his extensive library of reference materials. He was a student of history and in recent years, traveled with his family to Mount Rushmore and to Hawaii to view the USS Arizona. He enjoyed sharing the details of those trips with others.

A graveside celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in the Chapel of Oak Hill Cemetery, 1902 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg VA.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy should take the form of contributions to Mary Washington Hospital Hospice or to Spring Arbor Assisted Living, both of Fredericksburg