Ronald Byron Lumsden

On Thursday, October 20th, Ron joined his wife Lilly in heaven after a long battle with cancer. He was born October 1st, 1931 in Hardwick – a little town nestled in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont. His father, Lee Lumsden, was a dairy farmer and mother, Lucille, a homemaker. Ron married the love of his life, Lilly Pearl McKinney, in August of 1951. After their marriage, he started his own business – picking up milk from local dairy farms and hauling it to the Creamery in Cabot. In 1951, he decided to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. Over the next two decades, the family was stationed in exciting places across Germany and the United States. During Ron’s tour in Vietnam (1969—1970) he became a decorated soldier—receiving the Bronze Star and Joint Service Commendation medals. In addition, he earned numerous commendation awards from both the United States and various foreign governments. He was very much respected by those he commanded and was seen as a just and gentle leader. After 22 years of military service, Ron retired and settled in Jacksonville, Florida to manage the Sears Roebuck & Company Catalog Center. In 1988 he retired from Sears and took the opportunity to travel the United States with Lilly in their motorhome. In 1995 Ron built a log cabin in Greensboro, Vermont on the Lumsden homestead. Well into his 70s, you could find Ron helping his brother Larry on the family’s dairy farm. One of his favorite activities was riding the tractor in the hay fields and working the bailer. After Lilly had passed away, he moved out of San Mateo and built a home behind his son and daughter-in-law’s home, where he lived until recently. Ron is survived by his son Robert, daughter-in-law Rita, daughter Donna, son-in-law Morgan, grandchildren, Lisa, Stephen, Lori, Meghan, Katie, Holly and great-grandchildren Sophia, Penelope, Graham, Ted, and Brody. He is also survived by his siblings Dottie, Larry, and Lee Bess. He was a loving father and brother and will be greatly missed greatly. Arrangements under the care of Hardage-Giddens Town & Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. A visitation for friends will be held on Monday, October 24, 2016 from 6-7pm at Cedar Bay Baptist Church, 11553 Main St. North, Jacksonville, FL 32218. Funeral services to begin at 7pm with Pastor Bill Tyler officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cedar Bay Baptist Church in Ron’s name.