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Radford Thomas Ranson
February 3, 1949 ~ November 23, 2014 (age 65) 65 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Nancy Reed
December 9, 2014 5:27 PM
I'm so saddened to hear that Rad has passed. My heart and deepest sympathies to his loving family and friends. I visited he & Ellen many years ago when Zach was a lil' guy and have fond memories of him. The world has lost another good soldier/father/friend and human.
Message from Richard and Peggy Moseley & family
December 6, 2014 6:27 PM
A great loss for so many ... gone but never forgotten. Rad "Hook" will be in our hearts and lives forever more. Always a smile, laugh or some saying came from him ... or dancing to music no matter where. Loved to have a good time and help others when needed, no matter who they were. RIP
Message from Christine & Hunter Beasley
December 1, 2014 12:13 AM
Thinking of you all in this most difficult time. With lots of hugs & prayers for healing.
Message from DoodleBug and Lizzie Robertson
November 29, 2014 9:50 AM
We are so sorry! Hook was a very nice man and a very good friend. He will always be in our hearts. Our prayers are with the family.
Message from Curt DeMuth
November 28, 2014 8:05 AM
I am of heavy heart today. I graduated high school with Radford, whom was actually born about 11 minutes after I was. I always saw Radford as a "Happy Go Lucky" kind of guy who was easily liked by most every one. We were drafted together completed our Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning, GA and our Advanced Individual Training as Infantrymen at Fort Polk, LA. We were given 2 weeks leave prior to reporting to California for deployment to fight in Vietnam. We were finally separated in Vietnam with Radford going to the delta area and I was assigned to the central highlands. I was able to convince my Commander to approve a 3 day pass prior to my processing out for a week of RR in Sydney, Australia. I hitchhiked a series of helicopters headed south until I was able to get to where Radford was serving. I was able to locate him and spent a couple days mostly talking about the "Freedom Birds" eventually taking us back to our beloved homes in Virginia. We also survived a mortar attach one of the nights I was there with him. He and I did return but tended to go on our own path since I never returned to live in Dillwyn. I touched base with him on occasions and last saw him at our last high school reunion. He approached me and as he hugged me, said "I love you Man" and I responded like wise. We talked off and on during the time at the reunion. We shared a bond that Soldiers sharing the dangers of combat develop. Now my heart is sad as he now gone. We shared a special bond that Soldiers sharing the dangers of combat develop. I am out of the country and not able to bid him a formal farewell but my thoughts are with him and you that he leaves behind. Radford was a good Soldier who served his country and a good man. I respected him! God bless you, his children.
Message from margie sams
November 26, 2014 7:34 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss. Rad was a great guy. May God comfort you all.
Message from Brenda and Mike Farrish
November 26, 2014 6:50 PM
Rad will be truly missed. He touched many lives. May God comfort you all.
Message from Donna Parker
November 26, 2014 5:15 PM
Samantha,
Just heard about your father at school yesterday. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing and know that I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. I know you miss him so much but treasure the memories and keep them in your heart.
Just heard about your father at school yesterday. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing and know that I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. I know you miss him so much but treasure the memories and keep them in your heart.
Message from Mary and Janet Heath
November 26, 2014 11:27 AM
Dearest Ranson Family,
Words seem inadequate to even begin to express our sorrow over your loss. We have fond memories of Rad and will never forget his gentle nature and kind heart. His enthusiasm and spirit during his journey, here on earth, were plain to see, as he lived life to the fullest. As Mark Twain once said, "A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any, given, time". There are many people in this small community who will mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten for his life of kindness, compassion, and for serving our country. May your hearts soon be filled with more joyous times that you shared with him as we celebrate his life. His life was rich because of you and please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sent with heartfelt sympathy and love,
Mary and Janet Heath
Words seem inadequate to even begin to express our sorrow over your loss. We have fond memories of Rad and will never forget his gentle nature and kind heart. His enthusiasm and spirit during his journey, here on earth, were plain to see, as he lived life to the fullest. As Mark Twain once said, "A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any, given, time". There are many people in this small community who will mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten for his life of kindness, compassion, and for serving our country. May your hearts soon be filled with more joyous times that you shared with him as we celebrate his life. His life was rich because of you and please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sent with heartfelt sympathy and love,
Mary and Janet Heath
Message from Curt DeMuth
November 26, 2014 10:16 AM
I am of heavy heart today. I graduated high school with Radford, whom was actually born about 11 minutes after I was. I always saw Radford as a "Happy Go Lucky" kind of guy who was easily liked by most every one. We were drafted together completed our Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning, GA and our Advanced Individual Training as Infantrymen at Fort Polk, LA. We were given 2 weeks leave prior to reporting to California for deployment to fight in Vietnam. We were finally separated in Vietnam with Radford going to the delta area and I was assigned to the central highlands. I was able to convince my Commander to approve a 3 day pass prior to my processing out for a week of RR in Sydney, Australia. I hitchhiked a series of helicopters headed south until I was able to get to where Radford was serving. I was able to locate him and spent a couple days mostly talking about the "Freedom Birds" eventually taking us back to our beloved homes in Virginia. We also survived a mortar attach one of the nights I was there with him. He and I did return but tended to go on our own path since I never returned to live in Dillwyn. I touched base with him on occasions but found that he did not fare well after returning. I last saw him at our last high school reunion. He approached me and as he hugged me, said "I love you Man" and I responded like wise. We talked off and on during the time at the reunion. Now my heart is sad as he now gone. I am out of the country and not able to bid him farewell but my thoughts are with him and you that he leaves behind. Radford was a good man and I respected him! God bless you, his children.
Message from Jody Hudson
November 26, 2014 6:49 AM
I only met him 1 time. But he welcomed me into his home with open arms and a warm smile. Ride high my friend, ride high.
Message from Della Horne
November 25, 2014 10:49 PM
Im sorry for your loss ,didnt know him that well but death is always a sad thing but i knew Sue she graduated with my husband . H ope you all can find some peace in all of this . May god bless you .
Message from Sylvia Duncan Dunkum
November 25, 2014 8:15 PM
So very sorry for you loss. Your Dad was always a happy person that loved life and lived it to the fullest. I know he loved his children and talked with my brother (Johnny Duncan) about you so many many times , my brother loved your Dad like a brother. Prayer to each of you and hold on tight to those precious memories .
Message from Alice and DAbney Palmore
November 25, 2014 7:55 PM
We are saddened by your loss he was a great man and he sure loved his family. He was always happy and full of life and loved by many, just so sorry his life had to be shorten by such a tragedy but keep all those happy memories of your dad in your mind and his love in your hearts because he sure had a lot for you all.
If there is anything we can do please let us know and our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always,
If there is anything we can do please let us know and our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always,
Message from Michelle Wright
November 25, 2014 7:50 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! May God comfort you!
Message from Frankie & Lois Shumaker
November 25, 2014 6:22 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Message from Loretta Seay
November 25, 2014 3:28 PM
Samantha, Eli and Zack,
I am so sorry for your loss. Rad was such a grinner, he always had a smile on. I thought the world of him. And just really loved how he showed his softest side when he spoke of you all. He had as much love in his heart for his children as any father could possibly have. He was a funny guy, but the father thing was my favorite. Hold on to your memories they will get you through this heartwrenching loss. Love to all of you and please call upon us if you need us. Love, Buttons, Loretta, Mamie and Austin
I am so sorry for your loss. Rad was such a grinner, he always had a smile on. I thought the world of him. And just really loved how he showed his softest side when he spoke of you all. He had as much love in his heart for his children as any father could possibly have. He was a funny guy, but the father thing was my favorite. Hold on to your memories they will get you through this heartwrenching loss. Love to all of you and please call upon us if you need us. Love, Buttons, Loretta, Mamie and Austin
Message from Bud and Lisa Reid
November 25, 2014 2:54 PM
Sam, Zach and Elijah,
I cannot say I understand ur loss, because I've not experienced such loss. I can tell you that I remember ur daddy since I was able to have memories. He has always been such a happy, full of life person and will be sorely missed! He was kind and generous and I've never heard anyone say one bad word about him. Bud and I are here, just yell. We of course are praying for all of you. There are so many people that are praying for all of you. Again, give us a shout to help with whatever!!
I cannot say I understand ur loss, because I've not experienced such loss. I can tell you that I remember ur daddy since I was able to have memories. He has always been such a happy, full of life person and will be sorely missed! He was kind and generous and I've never heard anyone say one bad word about him. Bud and I are here, just yell. We of course are praying for all of you. There are so many people that are praying for all of you. Again, give us a shout to help with whatever!!
Message from Barbara & Earl Wood
November 25, 2014 2:04 PM
Samantha, Zach, Elijah,
I am so sorry that this happened. I know how much you loved your Dad and he was always bragging about the three of you and Miss Piper. May God grant you comfort and strength in the days ahead.
I am so sorry that this happened. I know how much you loved your Dad and he was always bragging about the three of you and Miss Piper. May God grant you comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Message from Casey Collins
November 25, 2014 2:02 PM
Dear Samantha, Zack and Elijah.....my heart is breaking for all of you! Know that ya'll were the brightest spot in your dad's life! I love you all dearly and I am praying for all of you everyday! I am so very sorry for your loss! Hang on to the good memories it will help you all through! All MY LOVE ALWAYS....your roomie!
Message from Bryan and Lisa Coleman
November 25, 2014 1:28 PM
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Hook was a good friend and a hero in my eyes since I was a young man. Prayers for you and your family.
Message from Joanne Steger Songer
November 25, 2014 1:17 PM
To each family member, just want to let you know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Radford was a special guy and I will be greatly missed by family and all his friends. Thinking of you, Joanne63
Message from Michael and Ashley Baird
November 25, 2014 12:59 PM
We are truly saddened to hear of the loss of Radford. May God bless and comfort the family during this difficult time.
Message from Vic and Gale Moss
November 25, 2014 12:10 PM
Samantha, Zach, and Elijah,
We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you all in our prayers. If there is anything Vic and I can do for you all, please do not hesitate to call. May God give you comfort during this time.
We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you all in our prayers. If there is anything Vic and I can do for you all, please do not hesitate to call. May God give you comfort during this time.
Message from Jonette Ranson Cox
November 25, 2014 10:18 AM
Dearest Samantha, Zak, & Elijah,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You were all a blessing to your father. Take comfort in your memories and know you are all in my prayers. God Bless you all.
Sincerely
Jonette Cox & family
I am so very sorry for your loss. You were all a blessing to your father. Take comfort in your memories and know you are all in my prayers. God Bless you all.
Sincerely
Jonette Cox & family
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