Ronald Lee Merle

Ronald Lee Merle, 54, of Boones Mill VA, formerly of Dansville NY, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Ron was born July 1, 1960 in Warsaw NY. Ron was preceded in death by his father Donald Dean Merle Sr. He is survived by his wife Marilyn (Perdue) Merle, his mother Gloria Jean Whiteman and Dad William (Bill) Whiteman, his 3 children Sara Law & husband Scott, Aaron Merle & wife Claire, Brooke Merle & boyfriend Jamie, granddaughter Caitlin Law, brothers Donald Merle & wife Joan, Bruce Merle & wife Susan Myers, Brian Whiteman & wife Eileen, sister Pat Maskell & husband Richard, Sister in law Kathy Perdue, Brothers of the Special Forces, and several nieces and nephews. Ron retired as Master Sergeant from the US Army Special Forces "Green Berets". During his 20 plus years of honorable service, he served with the 7th Special Forces Group at both Fort Bragg and in Panama, where he trained and advised foreign troops in Central and South America, and with the US Army Special Warfare Center and School, where he served as an instructor in the Special Forces Assessment and Selection course. Ron was a veteran of the war in El Salvador and served as an advisor to the El Salvadoran Army during that conflict. A quote from one of his former teammates and SF brothers: "Ron was a great mentor to all of us and he exemplified the motto of the Special Forces Soldier "the quiet professional"; he will remain larger than life in the fond memories we all have of him." SGM Bill Houston. After retiring from the army Ron moved his family to Virginia and started a new career, working as a project manager for JMS Builders, continuing to exemplify his moral and work ethics. Ron loved the outdoors, especially the beach, loved the mountains, hiking, biking, and fishing, and most recently making beautiful clay pottery. His quiet and calm demeanor and sense of humor stayed with him as he battled cancer, diagnosed in December 2014. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of his life will be held at Loch Haven Lake on March 22nd, 2015. The family asks that if anyone would like to make a memorial contribution, it can be made to the American Liver Foundation, or American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.