Ronald Locke Prough

Ronald Locke Prough, 85, of Williamsburg, VA passed away peacefully on November 22, 2022. Ronald grew up in Huntington, PA with a deep love of the nearby mountains and lakes. His stories of zipping along in motor boats on the lakes or just enjoying the view of his hometown were alive with the memories of time spent there. Ronald grew up with a restless and energetic desire to explore, to people watch and to help others that never waned as time passed.

After graduating from high school, Ronald found his career in the Pennsylvania State Police where he proudly served from 1958 to 1992. His gift as a leader saw him move through the ranks to Corporal in charge of his own detail. Ronald fondly remembered those years with stories of the people he worked with as well as instances where he used creativity to hold others responsible for their deeds. His favorite story was that of the goat he transported in a car to infiltrate his way into a group distributing drugs deep in the mountains of Pennsylvania. The car was later destroyed.

After retiring from the State Police, Ronald and a friend purchased and managed a local restaurant, Grandpa Growlers, in Mechanicsburg, PA. Ronald’s experience in working with the public translated well to this new endeavor and it was very successful.

Eventually, Ronald moved to Williamsburg, VA where he married Michelle in 1999. This meant leaving many of his favorite places, friends and his son, Ronald Scott Prough. He could never fully leave Pennsylvania, however, and there were many return trips to cheer on Penn State and re-connect with friends and family. In addition to being a passionate Nittany Lions fan, he was an avid Steelers fan.

Once fully retired, Ronald spent his days working around the yard and the house fixing things that needed his touch and smoking his favorite cigars to keep the bugs away. He knew every neighbor and every car they drove. Ronald and Michelle spent time in his other favorite place, the Cayman Islands, as often as they could. It was a place they both loved.

Ronald was preceded in death by Paul Frederick Prough (father), Gladys (Locke) Prough (mother), Frederick J Prough (brother) and Steven Craig Prough (son).

Ronald is survived by his wife of 23 years Michelle Prough, Ronald Scott Prough (son), Claire Prough (daughter-in-law), Devon Baker (step daughter), Elizabeth Pritts (granddaughter), Lucette Pritts (great granddaughter), Judy Rogers (sister), James Rogers (brother-in-law) as well as nephews and nieces.

We will celebrate Ronald’s life on Wednesday, November 30 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home at 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the non-profit organization, Made4Connection at www.made4connection.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Prough family.