Ronald Lee "Ronnie" Saunders, a man who truly lived life with a twinkle in his eye and a fish on the line, has cast off for the great beyond at the age of 73. Born on April 29, 1952, in Virginia, Ronnie made his grand exit on February 16, 2026, in Michigan, leaving behind a legacy that will surely be told around bonfires for generations to come.

From an early age, Ronnie had a penchant for adventure and a knack for landing on his feet — quite literally, as he enlisted in the US Army Paratroopers and served valiantly in the Vietnam War.  After his service in the Army was over he found his true calling at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and the Mid Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, rising through the ranks to become the Surface Fleet Manager for the US Navy (GS-15).  Ronnie made sure every ship was "ship-shape" before finding new adventures post-retirement at QED.

Ronnie's heart was always happiest when fishing or enjoying country life, surrounded by family and friends. He was a member of the Beaver Dam Baptist Church and proudly associated with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). An advocate for education, especially the trades, he earned his Associate's degree, proving that sometimes wisdom and wit are best pursued on parallel tracks.

Preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow Wilson Saunders and Mary Ilene Broughon Vincent; brothers, Robert and Lloyd Saunders; and his beloved wife, Judith. Ronnie leaves behind a family tree as full and vibrant as his stories. Surviving him are his daughter, Sheila Saunders; sons, Jay Saunders and Robert "Bobby" Saunders; sisters, Pat Cox (Skip), Lynda Richards (Mack), Rhonda Pitts (Mike); and brother, Zeke Saunders. He also leaves behind five adoring grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one more on the way, all of whom will no doubt inherit his legendary storytelling skills.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Ronnie's life at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 am, with Pastor Warren Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the funeral home. A private burial will occur at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Beaver Dam Baptist Church, 3593 Carrsville Highway, Franklin, Virginia 23851, ensuring that Ronnie's love for community and faith continues to thrive.

Ronnie Saunders may have left this world, but his spirit will live on in the laughter of those who knew him, the stories they share, and the lessons he imparted. As Ronnie liked to say, "God has granted me an incredible journey."