Born on November 26, 1945 in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Jesse G. Millner and Martha B. Millner.
Ron was raised in Appomattox on a dairy farm and graduated from Appomattox High School. He was a member of the Future Farmers of America and served as the Virginia state President from 1964-1965. He went on to attend Virginia Commonwealth University for his undergraduate degree and then earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law. He spent 23 years in the United States Army Reserves. He retired at the rank of Major and proudly served with the JAG Corps. He spent many years working at B&W in Lynchburg before opening his own law practice, James R. Millner Law Office. He was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church.
Ron was full of life. He loved to make people laugh and never met a stranger. Dad seemed to know everyone in Lynchburg. We couldn’t go anywhere without him stopping to talk to someone he knew. He was known for always helping those in need whenever and however he could. Dad enjoyed watching Fox News and he made sure to tell everyone about Jesus and Trump whether they wanted to hear about it or not. Dad and Mom were best friends and went everywhere together. They explored many parts of the world and went on 31 cruises together. They were by each other’s side through thick and thin. Dad left a legacy for his family and we couldn’t be prouder. There are so many things he taught us. Most importantly having a relationship with Jesus, giving to others, and love for family. One of his favorite verses he would quote all the time is John 3:3 ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again’. We can’t even begin to tell the stories we hear about months and years later of him helping others that we never knew about. One of the ways he showed his love for family was buying land for all of us to be on. He loved being on his tractor taking care of the property (and running over some things along the way) with his dog Snuggles. Dads’ favorite thing to do was spend time with his wife, children, and grandchildren here on the property. They were his greatest treasures. Everyone knew his grandchildren were his pride and joy. Constantly bragging on them to others.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend who spoiled him rotten for 53 ½ years, Gloria W. Millner; Son, James Ronald Millner Jr.; daughters, Marti Millner Gunnoe and her husband Craig and Jennifer Millner Lesniak and her husband Lucas; brother and best friend Russell Millner and his wife Sherri, brother Orie Millner and sister Murrell Williams and her husband Jack; grandchildren, Christian Lesniak, Landon Lesniak, Chloe Gunnoe, Bailey Lesniak, JesseGrace Lesniak, and Taylor Gunnoe.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022 at his residence with Pastor Jonathan Falwell officiating. Military Honors by the American Legion Post 16. Because we are celebrating his life, the family requests everyone wear bright colors. He loved wearing pink shirts.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
