Ronald L. Golladay

CHARLESTON - Ronald Lee Golladay, 70, of Charleston, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2024 at his home.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home.

Ron was born April 11, 1954 at Decatur, Illinois, son of James W. and Lillie Ellen (Hayes) Golladay.  He married Jane Ann Hallowell, November 23, 1979 at their home; she survives.  Also surviving are their children, Robert Hallowell of Charleston, Mary Utley of Mishawaka, IN, and Laura Golladay and wife Anna of Mattoon.  Eleven grandchildren, Wade Nixon, Kate Marlow, Katie Smith, Zachary Hallowell, Braelyn Mills, Jessica Utley, Christina Utley, Alyssa Jenkins, Kayla Jenkins, Dilen Jenkins, and Madyson Jenkins; seven great-grandchildren, Ava, Audrey, Ryker, Cora, Kolt, Hadlee, and Elleanor, with another due Monday, Weston Lee.  One sister, Carol Brownlee of Latham, IL, also survives.  He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, James, Raymond, Larry, and Bill; and four sisters, Lois, Patricia, Sharon, and Janet.

Ron retired from Vesuvius, and had also been a truck driver, and had worked at Eastern Illinois Precast.  He was a member of the former Eagles Club of Charleston.  Ron was one of those men that could build a car from the ground up, and also had the ability (and patience) to teach other people how to do it.

Ron was affectionately known as "Papa".  He was devoted to his wife and family.  He was a reliable resource for weather updates and current affairs due to his vast knowledge.  Ron had a knack for building and fixing almost anything.  He was famous for his grilling and smoking culinary talents.  Ron took pleasure in cooking meals for the entire family.  He enjoyed spending time at the river with family, and taking work trips with Jane and Laura.