Ronald J. Skelton

Ronald J. Skelton, 83, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, May 30, 2026, surrounded by his immediate family and grandchildren. Born on July 31, 1942, in Petersburg, Virginia, he was the son of the late Norman Claude Skelton and Lula Mae Overby Skelton.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Norman L. Skelton, Morris E. Skelton, and Ernest C. Skelton, and his sister, Gloria Lesie.

Ron, also affectionately known as Ronnie, Dad, and Papa, was a man who truly lived life in his own way-full of humor, energy, and a natural ability to connect with people. He loved time outdoors, especially at the lake, and found great joy in fishing, hunting, gardening, and simply being outside. Some of his most cherished moments were quiet golf cart rides through the property, spent with family and enjoying the wildlife and simple pleasures of everyday life around him. Alongside his career at Honeywell (formerly Allied Signal), he owned and operated Ron Skelton Photography, where he captured countless wedding days and special moments.

More than anything, Ron valued people and connection. He had a gift for making those around him feel welcome and at ease, and he built friendships that lasted a lifetime. He was known for his humor, his steady presence, and the way he showed up for the people he cared about. Time with family was what mattered most to him, and that love was constant and deeply felt.

He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 882 in Petersburg, an organization he valued for the fellowship and friendship it brought him.

Ron is survived by his wife, Joyce Belcher Skelton; his son, Ronald J. Skelton, Jr.; his daughter, Sharon Skelton Perkins, and her husband, Troy; his granddaughters, Kelsey Perkins Arico, and her husband Kevin, and Berkley Perkins Greenfield, and her husband, Max; and his great-grandchildren, Madeleine Arico and Callan Arico, and Charlotte Greenfield. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Ann Warren, and brother-in-law, William Warren.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Geraldine Best, Penny Brown, Shermeka Brown, Janice Daniel, and Nancy Droddy, whose compassionate care, friendship, and love brought comfort to Ron and continue to be a blessing to his family.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, 103 S. Adams Street, Petersburg.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Southlawn Memorial Park, 1911 Birdsong Road, S. Prince George.

Family and friends are invited to gather immediately following the graveside service at the Country Club of Petersburg (1250 Flank Rd, Petersburg) to share memories, food, and fellowship as we celebrate Ron's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crater Community Hospice, 3916 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805, or online using the Crater Community Hospice Donation Form, in memory of Ronald Skelton.