Ron Deel, 73, of Morattico, Va. died at his home on September 27, 2014 after a long illness. He grew up in southwest Virginia, the son of the late Kermit and Mary Sue Deel.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Susie Deel; a brother, Douglas Deel and his sister-in -law, Sara Deel; two nephews, Ricky Deel of Seward, Alaska and Daniel Deel of Hopkinsville, Kentucky: a great- nephew, Ozzie Deel; sister-in -law, Linda Epes; and brothers-in-law, Darrell and David Johnson.

Ron “Mickey” Deel was a well-known athlete at William King High School in Abington,Virginia. He was an All-State football, basketball, and track star in the late 50’s. In 1959, his high school coach, Ken Matthews, used Ron as his “lonesome end” one year before Army coined the phrase. He also was an All- State member of the William King Choir in 1959.

Ron was a graduate of Lees McCrae College and East Tennessee University. He played football and basketball at LMC and ETU 1959-1963.

Ron was employed for 30 years with the Virginia State Health Department in Fredericksburg, Va. and retired as supervisor before he and his wife moved to Morattico, Va. There they enjoyed retirement at their cottage on the Rappahannock River and at their permanent home nearby. Ron was an avid fan of almost all sports, particularly Nascar racing, football, and basketball. He also enjoyed playing basketball, golf, and boating with his many friends.

Ron will always be remembered for his generosity, his quirky sense of humor, riding around on his lawnmower (earning him the nickname “Ronmower”), taking his dog, Dusty for rides in his Gator and enjoying his friends’ pies, cakes, and cookies they made especially for him.

A private service is planned.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Emmanuel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 75 Morattico, VA 22523 or the Animal Welfare League. P.O. Box 975, White Stone, VA 22578).