Colonel Ronald V. "Sheriff Deloney, (USMC, Ret.), 72, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on Friday, August 24, 2018. The son of Virgil O. Deloney and Verlie E. Deloney, Ron was born in Columbus, GA., and grew up in Ozark, AL.

Ron graduated from Troy State University with a degree in Business. He had a fascination with flying from a young age and volunteered for Marine Officer Candidate School with the hope of flying jets. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in December of 1970 and was subsequently designated a Naval Aviator in July of 1972.

Ron flew various attack aircraft for 22 years, culminating his flying career as the Squadron Commander of the world famous VMA-214 Blacksheep Squadron in Yuma, AZ, where he tested and fielded the first Night Attack capable Av-8B Harriers. Prior to this assignment, he was a production line test pilot and test director in St. Louis, MO. Where he flew and tested new AV-8B Harriers off the production line.

In 1996 Ron completed his career as a Colonel at Marine Cops Base Quantico, VA., prior to his retirement from 26 years of active duty service to his country. Following his retirement, he moved his family to Johnson City, TN., and became Director of the Virginia Highlands Airport Authority in Abingdon, VA., for the next 11 years prior to his final retirement in 2008. In addition, he flew the corporate jet for Strongwell Corporation for a number of years.

In his free time, Ron thoroughly enjoyed riding motorcycles, shooting guns, gardening, and playing the guitar. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Terry; son John and his wife Heather, and their sons Vance and Leif; son Jason and his wife Caroline; two sisters, Frances Deloney and Rheba Leonard (Jim).

Ron had a fun-loving spirit and an incredible sense of humor. He also was gifted with his hands and was talented in home construction and auto maintenance. He was a natural born leader with an unrivaled discipline and a love for his country. His quick wit, his sound parental advice, and his love for his family will be sorely missed.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 29th at 12:30p.m. at Georgia National Cemetery with military honors. Those wishing to participate in the procession need to be at the funeral home no later than 11:00a.m.

You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting
www.darbyfuneralhome.com .

In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to the Lewy Body Dementia Association ( www.ibda.org ); the National Parkinson Foundation ) www.parkinson.org/donate ); or the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society ( www.nmors.org ).

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Deloney family.