Ronald Lee "Ron or Fish" Etchison, 69, of Anderson died February 28, 2019 at St. Vincent Anderson after a brief illness.
He was born July 14, 1949 in Elwood, the son of W. Gordon and Vera Mae (Beckley) Etchison. Ron graduated from Highland High School in 1967.
He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Ron worked at General Motors for 8 years from 1972-1980 then at Delta Airlines as a mechanic for 36 1/2 years before retiring on June 30, 2017 from Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia.
He attended Parkview Wesleyan Church in Chesterfield prior to moving to Georgia. He was a past commander of the American Legion Post 258 in Jonesboro, Georgia, where he established a Chapel for Veterans. He was also a past commander for the 40 & 8 Unit 217 in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports.
Ron is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen (Pitcock) Etchison of Anderson, whom he married October 19, 1968 in Chesterfield; three children, Marc (Beth) Etchison; Chad (Heidi) Etchison, Rona (Billy) Cochran; six grandchildren, Brooke Poindexter, Bryce Poindexter, Bralynn Cochran, Evan Etchison, Connor Etchison and Miranda Etchison; brother, Tom (Marla) Shelton of Lapel, Travis (Susan) Bott of Casa Grande, AZ, and Tyler (Tilly) Bott of Tucson, AZ and several nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death his parents, his two brothers, Kent Nelson and Gary Bute.
Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with Rev. Dennis Hilton officiating. Burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery with military rites by the US Navy and Daleville Honor Guard.
Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be given to American Legion Post 408 in Chesterfield.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.