Ronald Lee Owens' Obituary
Ronald “Ronnie” Lee Owens, 77, of Elkwood, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, at UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center.
Born on May 22, 1949, in Fauquier County, Virginia, Ronald was the son of the late Horace S. Owens and Betty Ann Owens. He was the third of eight children and often joked that he was the wild one of the bunch. One of his favorite stories was about hiding behind the chicken shed as a young boy while smoking a cigarette he was far too young to have. The story ended with him accidentally setting the shed on fire. He enjoyed telling tales with his devilish grin and making other people laugh.
In 1967, Ronnie met the love of his life, Peggy, at a dance. Their connection was immediate, and they were married on July 19, 1968. Together, they built a life rooted in love, devotion, and family. For Ronnie, Peggy was truly his soulmate and greatest blessing.
Later that year, Ronnie entered military service during the Vietnam era and was stationed in Korea. After completing his service, he returned home to begin the next chapter of his life with Peggy and the family they would cherish together.
They were blessed with three daughters. Their first daughter, Paula Ann Owens, was born in 1970 and passed away after just 20 hours of life. Though her time on earth was brief, she was loved deeply and remained forever in her parents' hearts. Ronnie and Peggy later welcomed Rhonda Owens in 1972 and Pamela Owens Wells in 1976.
For more than forty years, Ronnie worked as a truck driver, a profession he loved and took immense pride in. During his career, he traveled to every state except Hawaii, often joking that "they never made a bridge long enough." While he enjoyed seeing the country, he often spoke about how difficult it was to spend so much time away from his wife and family.
His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to safety earned him national recognition in 2010 when the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) named him to its Team of Drivers of the Year after achieving an extraordinary 5.4 million accident-free miles. It was one of the accomplishments of which he was most proud.
Ronald's beloved wife, Peggy, passed away on October 22, 2012. Losing her was the greatest heartbreak of his life. Not long afterward, he retired from trucking and devoted himself to spending time with those he loved most.
Known affectionately as "The Fixer," a nickname given to him by his honorary daughter and niece, Jennifer "Gigi" Lillard, Ronnie was the person family and friends called whenever something needed repairing. He shared a particularly close bond with his sister, Eleanor Virginia Lillard, whom he lovingly called "Margaret" while she called him "Louise." The two shared a special connection.
Above all else, Ronnie treasured his family. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, Ryan "Lewis" and Aaron "Munch" Owens, and Chase and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Wells. They will forever remember watching him mow the grass, fly toy helicopters, and tell stories from his childhood and decades on the road. He shared a particularly special bond with Aaron, and the two seemed to understand each other without words. To his grandchildren, he was simply "Grandaddy" - a source of wisdom, laughter, strength, and unconditional love. The lessons he taught and the memories he created will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
Ronnie enjoyed watching classic Westerns and was a lifelong fan of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. He rarely missed an episode of shows such as Gunsmoke, Laramie, and The Virginian. He also cherished visits with friends, spending hours reminiscing about life, family, and the good old days.
The last several years of Ronnie's life brought many health challenges, but they never diminished his spirit, sense of humor, or love for those around him. Even through difficult days, he remained devoted to his family and friends, finding joy in their company and comfort in their presence. He fought hard, but when the time came, his family assured him that it was okay to rest. They wanted him free from pain, and they find peace in knowing he is.
Ronnie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. While his family grieves his loss, they take comfort in imagining him reunited with Peggy, sharing stories once again, and experiencing the peace and glory of eternity together.
He is survived by his daughters, Rhonda Owens of Elkwood and Pamela Owens Wells of Elkwood; his grandchildren, Ryan Owens, Aaron Owens, Chase Wells, and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Wells; his brothers, James Owens of Fort Worth, Texas, and Andrew Owens of Fort Worth, Texas; his sister, Barbara Perry of Tazewell, Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Linda Jones Owens, with whom he shared a daily tradition of exchanging text messages, checking in on one another, and sharing funny videos to brighten each other's days. He is further survived by his honorary brother and sister, Dickie and Connie Dwyer, whose friendship meant so much to him throughout his life.
In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy Owens; his infant daughter, Paula Ann Owens; his brother, Horace T. Owens; his sisters, Patricia Ann Weachter and Eleanor Virginia Lillard; and his brother, Harold Michael Owens.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The family invites those unable to attend to view via livestream link https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/G7QH3W
Interment will follow at Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery, 23557 Lignum Road, Lignum, VA.
Pallbearers serving the family will be David Weachter, Jason Lillard, Derrick Dwyer, Donald Ward, Sam Williams, Cody Whitlock, Dustin Whitlock, and Brad Coppage.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ronald’s name to Richardsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue at 29361 Eleys Ford Road, Richardsville, VA 22736.
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