Ronnie was born in Elizabethton, TN. After high school he was extremely proud of having been in the U.S. Army, attached to the 134th Assault Helicopter Co serving in Vietnam as a Helicopter Door Gunner during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in July, 1971 and awarded, among others, the Aircraft Crewman Badge, Army Commendation Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the Purple Heart. Ronnie was a proud member of VFW Post #10826 in Verona, VA. After his Army service he worked for Contel (later GTE), Parsons and General Dynamics as an engineer. He worked extensively in the Middle East, retiring from Dubai working on one of the world’s largest airports.
Ronnie was the son of the late John and Iona Poarch. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen “Kathy” Callaghan Poarch; son, Ronnie Jr; and their second son, Matthew; daughter, Olivia (Harrison) Murphy and grandson, Absalom; Ronnie’s brothers, Buddy (Ruth) Poarch, Donny (Sherrie) Poarch, and Johnny (former spouse, Karen) Poarch; in-laws, Margaret (Paul) Ermerins, William (Jackie) Callaghan, and John (Jeanie) Callaghan; numerous nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Services will be held on Monday, July 16, 2018, at 11:00 am, at Verona United Methodist Church, 406 Lee Highway, Verona, VA, 24482, with Pastor Bob Weeks officiating.
Interment will be held 1:00 pm, Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation be made in Ronnie’s name and sent to Verona United Methodist Church, 406 Lee Highway, Verona, VA 24482.
Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements, condolences may be sent to www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.
