Ronald William Dougal Sr., 79, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on July 1, 2023, at Hospice of the Valley Lund Home surrounded by his family after being diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma only four weeks prior. He was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, son of the late Harry E. and Dora P. (Colyer) Dougal.
He was a proud veteran who served in the Navy on the USS Little Rock and as a Seabee (NMCB-8) during the Vietnam War. More than being a proud veteran, he loved his family immensely, always being there to cheer them on in anything they did. He adored his wife of 61 years, Joyce Carol (James) Dougal, and the life they built together. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, they put their roots down in St. Charles, Michigan until they moved to Arizona in 1985. He worked for Baker Perkins and was a volunteer firefighter with the Tri-Township Fire Department. Being involved in his community was important to him where he actively was part of the Sports Booster Club and loved going to high school sporting events. He was a member of the Wolverine Sportsman Club, American Legion, and the VFW where part of his time in St. Charles he served as Post Commander. He loved being outdoors with fishing being his favorite. Ronald enjoyed meeting new people and telling the most amazing stories about his life growing up. He is known for his signature parting words said to everyone, “Now you stay out of trouble!”
Ronald is survived by his wife Joyce Carol (James) Dougal; two children, Ronald Dougal Jr. and Patricia (Tony) Smith; four grandchildren, Tony (Nicole) Smith Jr., Tatum (Cory) Hoff, Makayla (Michelle) McCarthy, and Aaron Dougal; seven great-grandchildren, Savannah, Audrey, Talea, Chloe, Dylan, Gavin, and Caley; his brother, Howard (Denise) Dougal of Altoona; and numerous nieces and nephews who he loved very much.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant brother, Kenneth T. Dougal, and brothers, Harry R. Dougal and Glenn E. Dougal.
Memorial contributions can be made in Ronald’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project or Hospice of the Valley.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Ronald's honor on Wednesday July 19, 2023 at 1pm at Mariposa Gardens; 6747 E. Broadway Rd. Mesa, AZ. Ronald will be laid to rest following the services and will have the presentation of Military Honors.
