Ronald Lee Epperson

Ronald "Ronnie" Epperson passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the age of 77. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. Ronnie was born in Brookneal on April 19, 1947 to his mother, Elizabeth Epperson, who preceded him in death. He graduated from William Campbell High School and went on to serve as a sergeant in the United States Air Force for 4 years, allowing him to travel to places such as Dallas, Texas and Okinawa. During his service, he focused on cryptological security. When he returned home to Virginia, he worked at Flowserve for 47 years as a machinist and chief union steward. He was a resident of Goode, Virginia and a proud member of Oakland Community Church.

Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Linda Carol Epperson. He is also survived by his daughter, Christy Epperson (and significant other, Joshua Cahow) and step-daughter, Sherri Staton. Ronnie had three grandchildren that survive him, Jonathan Staton (and his wife, Hana Morrison), Briana Staton (and her fiancé, Logan Goodman), and Brittany Staton (and her partner, Autumn Roach). He is also survived by his twin brother, Roger Dale Epperson, his wife Twana, and Ronnie's nieces, Jenni Olivas and Megan Epperson. 

Ronnie would have given a special thank you to his surviving sister-in-law, Brenda Hudson, for spending much more time with him than a normal sister-in-law probably would have. They were friends as much as they were family.

Another special person in the life of Ronnie and his wife was their friend of many years, Ezekiel "Saki" Angel.

The family would like to provide special recognition for the oncology group at Duke for the care that they provided Ronnie that helped him live an additional 6 and a half years. The family would also like to recognize Ronnie's pulmonologist, Alex Lower, the rest of the nursing staff at Centra Medical Group Pulmonary, especially Lexi, and long time physician, Dr. John Carmack.

If you asked Ronnie what the best thing about him was, he would have said it was his family. There was nothing more important to him than helping his family whenever he could, even those that weren't related by blood. He spent many years helping to care for his own mother as well as his mother-in-law, Eva Dudley, who also preceded him in death. He cared deeply about his children, grandchildren, siblings, and wife. He may have been a quiet guy but he loved those around him very loudly.

There will be a Celebration of Life held for Ronnie at Oakland Community Church on Thursday, March 13, at 11:00 AM. Rev. Dr. H.O. "Tom" Thomas and Rev. Phil Showers will be officiating the service. There will be a reception in the church's fellowship hall following the service. The address of the church is 2465 Goode Station Road, Goode VA, 24556.

Ronnie's wishes were for those making memorial contributions, to consider his church, Oakland Community Church. The physical address is listed above and the mailing address is PO Box 102, Goode VA, 24556.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family.