Obituary for Ronald Deskins
Ronald ‘Ron’ Deskins, 75, of Mt. Jackson, VA, passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Blue Ridge Hospice in Winchester, VA surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Ron was born January 24, 1947 in Washington, DC; son of the late Carroll A. Deskins and Welbe Earline Deskins.
He married Karen Lewis Deskins, August 15, 1979 in Arlington, VA.
Along with his wife and partner of 46 years Ron is survived by his children, Reyhan Deskins (Sherrial) of Danville, VA, Lehticia Kendall (Damian) of Indianapolis, IN, Erica Deskins of Edinburg, VA and Clint Deskins (Katie) of Stephens City, VA; seven grandchildren; one brother and one sister.
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Friend Ron was a kind man who always leant a friendly ear to those he cared about. He leaves behind an incredible legacy as a pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement. On February 2, 1959 Ron was one of the first four black students to integrate an all white school in Virginia. He is memorialized at Dorothy Hamm Middle School in Arlington Va where he made the walk into school that first day escorted by 85 police officers.
Ron joined the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in 1973. During his time with Fairfax County he played an integral part in recruiting more women and minorities into the department. He retired as a Captain in 2007 after 34 years of dedicated service. He was a mentor to many and a respected leader in his field.
Ron enjoyed his leisure time fishing for bass, watching sports, and spending time with his loved ones. An avid reader, he worked part time at the Shenandoah County Public Library during his twilight years. His time spent working at the library brought him great joy because of his co-workers and natural affinity for helping others. He was most proud of his family and the time he spent serving the Fairfax County Fire Department.
A celebration of life will be held at 12pm on Aug. 13th at the Annandale Fire Station, 7128 Columbia Pike, Annandale, Va. beginning at 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Ron was born January 24, 1947 in Washington, DC; son of the late Carroll A. Deskins and Welbe Earline Deskins.
He married Karen Lewis Deskins, August 15, 1979 in Arlington, VA.
Along with his wife and partner of 46 years Ron is survived by his children, Reyhan Deskins (Sherrial) of Danville, VA, Lehticia Kendall (Damian) of Indianapolis, IN, Erica Deskins of Edinburg, VA and Clint Deskins (Katie) of Stephens City, VA; seven grandchildren; one brother and one sister.
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Friend Ron was a kind man who always leant a friendly ear to those he cared about. He leaves behind an incredible legacy as a pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement. On February 2, 1959 Ron was one of the first four black students to integrate an all white school in Virginia. He is memorialized at Dorothy Hamm Middle School in Arlington Va where he made the walk into school that first day escorted by 85 police officers.
Ron joined the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in 1973. During his time with Fairfax County he played an integral part in recruiting more women and minorities into the department. He retired as a Captain in 2007 after 34 years of dedicated service. He was a mentor to many and a respected leader in his field.
Ron enjoyed his leisure time fishing for bass, watching sports, and spending time with his loved ones. An avid reader, he worked part time at the Shenandoah County Public Library during his twilight years. His time spent working at the library brought him great joy because of his co-workers and natural affinity for helping others. He was most proud of his family and the time he spent serving the Fairfax County Fire Department.
A celebration of life will be held at 12pm on Aug. 13th at the Annandale Fire Station, 7128 Columbia Pike, Annandale, Va. beginning at 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.