Ronnie Lee King Sr. passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 7, 2026 with his wife of 60 years, Patricia (nee Shingle) by his side. His son Ronnie (Amy), and daughter Crystal (David Genne) were also with him.
Ron, aka Hot Shot or Hot, was born in Annville, Kentucky, the third of eleven children, to Bill and Hannah (nee Cunigan) King. He joined the Air Force right after high school, which led him to California where he met the love of his life, Pat.
After Ron left the service, they moved to Dayton, Ohio, making their home in the Oregon District for over 50 years, with Ron serving as the traffic supervisor for the City of Beavercreek for over 20 years, before moving to Xenia later in their retirement. Ron was a long time member of the Knights of Pythias.
Although he served in the Air Force, Ron preferred not to fly, but did not let that stop his lifelong love of travel. Ron and Pat visited all 50 states (49 in their RV, many multiple times), despite Ron complaining there wasn’t a bridge to Hawaii when they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in their 50th state.
However, he was happiest being at home with Pat, working on the latest home improvement project she discovered, watching NASCAR or golf on the TV, resting his eyes while relaxing in the recliner, meeting the old men for breakfast, firing up the grill, or heading out to play golf.
He is predeceased by his parents, his sisters Carolyn Stover (nee King), Sandra Roof (nee King), and Linda, brother Robert, and nephews Keith and Michael. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his grandchildren Iain (Katie), Abigail, and Chelsea, great grandchildren Scotty and Matty, sisters Janice Hoffer (nee King), Pamela Sheehan (nee King), and Joy and brothers Gordon, Don, and Rick and many nieces and nephews.
In the immortal words of George Jones, he stopped loving her today.
Service will be held 11 AM Tuesday, August 11th at McColaugh Funeral Home with Pastor John Lockwood officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 AM. He will be buried in the King Family Cemetery.
