Ronnie Ellis Hawley

Ronnie Ellis Hawley, a faithful family man, proud grandfather, and Ford enthusiast passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at the age of 72. 

Ronnie was born on July 16, 1954 to Ellis Wade Hawley and Mary Etta Musselman Hawley.  He grew up in the small community of Vicker, racing his old Fords up and down the hills.  You could often find him polishing up his beloved blue ‘69 Ford Mustang Fastback as he prepared to drag race at legendary Elk Creek.  When he wasn’t racing his “baby” he was shining it up along with his prized green 1963 Ford Galaxie or candy apple red 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie convertible for a car show.  He walked away many times with trophies half his size.

Daddy graduated from Christiansburg High School in 1972.  Two of his best buddies were Kenny Richards and Marvin Nunley.  He really enjoyed visiting them as the years went by, never giving anyone a heads up. His style was just to “drive by to see if you’re there”.  They never seemed to mind, enjoying the company.  Marvin was by Dad’s side to the end, encouraging him to go to church and mens’ group with him.  While it was hard to get Daddy out of the house, he would do it for Marvin.  He also helped him recommit to the Lord in January along with Pastor Mike Vest.  To God be the glory.   

Ronnie began work at Burlington Industries in 1975 as a weaver in Radford, Virginia. After being employed for 32 years at Burlington, he became employed by Moog. He retired from Moog twelve years later.

 Ronnie married his bride, Patricia “Ann” Dunn Hawley, on June 7, 1975.  They made a humble life together and were proud parents of two girls, Jennifer Hawley McGlothlin and Rhonda Hawley.  Daddy loved his girls, but enjoyed making sure they had a little bit of “boy” in their veins.  They enjoyed throwing football and playing flag football at Belview Elementary.  He helped to encourage their love of basketball, taking them to any open gym he could find.  He raised up a basketball goal in the front yard with a hand painted Detroit Pistons logo so that all three could practice their free throws, three pointers and behind-the-back passes.  He saved up all of his vacation days to go to their basketball games.  He was a fiery Christiansburg Blue Demon fan when the girls were on the court.

Ronnie was fortunate to have a son-in-law that was more of a son.  Jamie McGlothlin, married to Jennifer, was very good to Dad.  He talked for many hours about their shared love of the Washington Redskins (he never wanted to acknowledge that they were renamed the Commanders). He even took him to a Redskins game in D.C., for which Daddy was always grateful.  He adored his grandsons, Connor and Zachary McGlothlin. They could do no wrong in his eyes.  He even let Connor help wash and play in his cars, which he didn’t allow anyone to do.  He later turned into an Auburn Eagle fan, watching Connor in the band on the football field and Zac playing one of his many sports.  He was blessed with a wonderful granddaughter-in-law, Makayla, of whom he talked her ear off about Fords, as well.   

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ann, and his daughter, Rhonda.  He is also survived by Jennifer, along with her husband, Jamie and their sons, Connor (Makayla) and Zac.  In addition, he is survived by his sisters, Jeannie Hawley (CJ), Barbara Sheppard, and his brother, Darryl Hawley.  He was also blessed with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.  We thank them all for their prayers and memories.   

The family will receive friends from 12:00 - 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Horne Funeral Home in Christiansburg, Virginia. Funeral services will start at 1:00 PM with Pastor Mike Vest officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.