Ronald "Ron" W. Ellinger

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald “Ron” W. Ellinger, 72, of Waynesboro, VA, died peacefully on Monday, April 29, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. Ron was born on September 15, 1951 in Staunton, VA, to the late Noah and Myrtle “Sugie” Ellinger. He is survived by his loving and adoring wife of 51 years, Elaine (Poole) Ellinger; daughter, Rhonda Terrell and husband, Tracy of Waynesboro; three grandchildren, Brooke Landes and husband, Hunter of Lexington, Tre’ Terrell of Waynesboro, Brandon Terrell and wife, Courtney of Waynesboro; four great grandchildren, Blayne, Dixie-Lynn, and Holton Landes, and Riley Terrell due to arrive in June; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and his little house panther, Binx.

After graduation from Wilson Memorial High School in 1969, Ron joined the Marine Corps.  He earned his Eagle Globe and Anchor becoming a Marine on Parris Island, SC, where he would begin his 32 year career retiring in 2001.  One of the highlights of Ron’s enlisted time was serving as a Drill Instructor at MCRD San Diego training and making Marines. In 1980, Ron was selected for Warrant Officer. After completing the Basic School in Quantico,  Ron pinned on his Warrant Officer bars in 1981.  His first assignment as an Avionics Officer was with HMM-261 where he would participate in “Operation Urgent Fury” in Grenada.  Ron would earn his Combat Aircrew Wings and Air Medal.  Following Grenada, he would go on to serve his second tour in Beirut Lebanon as part of the Multi-National Peacekeeping Force where the Marine Barracks had just been bombed, killing 241 US military personnel. In the Mid 1980s Ron would pin on his Lieutenant bars as an LDO eventually rising to the top of the LDO chain as a Lieutenant Colonel.  Ron also served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991.  Ron was later selected to serve as the Maintenance Officer of the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (HMX-1), Quantico, VA, quite possibly the most demanding job in Marine Aviation.  Ron’s medals, awards and citations for his 32 years are numerous. After retiring as a LtCol in 2001 he continued to work as a contractor and consultant for 12 years finally retiring out of Lexington Park, MD. Ron had a love of training and mentoring Marines.   No one has ever been more loyal to his Country and to the Marine Corps than “Gunner” Ellinger.

After retiring, Ron and Elaine returned to Waynesboro to be close to their daughter,  Rhonda, for whom he felt amazing love and pride. He enjoyed working on his father’s 1966 Bronco. He was a very accomplished and avid hunter.  Don’t call him “opening week”.   He and Elaine loved hiking their property in Middlebrook.  Ron had watchmakers’ hands and a mechanical mind which came in handy for his love of restoring guns.  He was a student of the Bible and loved spending time with his family. 

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Augusta Memorial Park. The family would like to invite all to join them in a celebration of Ron’s life at 3rd Generations Grill in Waynesboro immediately following the service, 12:00 -2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider making a donation in Ron’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256, or bringing a new unopened toy to the celebration of life for Toys for Tots. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Charlton and Groome Funeral Home in Fishersville, VA.

Share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.

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