Ronald Earl Farmer

Ronald Earl Farmer, 74, passed away peacefully at home in Manassas, VA on May 30, 2015 ending his courageous battle with ALS. Ronnie was born on March 25, 1941, in Washington, DC. His father, Al Farmer, mother, Dorothy Goodwin Grady and stepmother, Shirley Case Farmer predeceased him. Ronnie enlisted in the United States Navy in 1959 where he proudly served his country for 6 years aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Coral Sea and the U.S.S. Cadmus. In 1965, he was discharged from the Navy as a decorated veteran. Ronnie, “Ol Bull”, became a member and worked as a union ironworker with Ironworkers Local #5 in 1967 until he retired in 2000. He was a Master Mason with Masonic Lodge No. 285 in Arlington, Virginia. He had a great love for all animals and was predeceased by numerous animals he rescued including his beloved Daisy and Maxwell. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter, although in his later years he would much rather watch and photograph wildlife. His true passion was playing poker. He enjoyed many evenings with his closest friends around the poker table. He also found great amusement in playing the tables and slots at his favorite casino. Ronnie is survived by his two daughters, Ronda L. Ritchie and husband Sheldon of Marshall, VA and Karissa T. Kelly of Great Falls, VA; his fiancé of 23 years, Glynis Blankenship and their 2 beloved dogs, Precious and Hooch; his sister, Diane Kidwell and husband Roger of North Carolina; his two brothers, Frank Farmer and Paul Farmer, both of Virginia; two grandchildren, Mary Catherine Nottingham and Ronnie Carrigan; his two aunts, Bessie Deese and Mary Wingrove of FL, 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 8th from 5pm to 8pm at Demaine Funeral Home, 10565 Main Street, Fairfax, VA. The graveside service with military honors will be held on June 9th at noon at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA. Family and friends should arrive no later than 11:45 a.m. for the service.