Ronald L. Harry

On Tuesday, July 21, 2020, Ronald Lee Harry, beloved husband, father of three, grandfather of seven, and great grandfather of three, passed away at the age of 81 in Punta Gorda, Florida, from complications of vascular dementia and cancer.

Ron was born on June 13, 1939, in Conde, South Dakota, to Marvin and Josephine Harry. He grew up in Ferney, SD. Ron attended South Dakota State University, graduated in 1962, and earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. From 1962 to 1964, Ron served in the United States Army at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. During his time there, on March 23, 1963, he married the love of his life, Barbara Donovan. 

Ron proudly worked for Standard Oil of Indiana, which later became Amoco Oil, for 34 years before retiring. After 57 years of marriage, Ron still referred to Barbara as “the perfect wife". Together they raised three children, Todd, Tami (his favorite daughter), and Brian. (Please note that his favorite sons earned master’s degrees.)

Ron truly will be missed by all who knew him. He was a fun, loving, and generous man who knew how to make people laugh. Ron knew how to make people feel special, and he was always so proud of his children and grandchildren. Ron often expressed his gratitude for his loving family and his wonderful life. He would often ask, “How did I get so lucky?” 

Ron was honest, hard-working, and always made sure he took care of his family. More than anything, he loved to spend time with them. To Ron, family was everything. 

Ron was preceded in death by his father Marvin, his mother Josephine, his sister-in-law Charlotte, and his brother Russell. He is survived by his wife Barbara and his three children, Todd (wife Tracy), Tami (husband Anthony), and Brian (wife Mercedes). Ron is also survived by his grandchildren Ashton, Emily, Sean, Josie, Alex, Adler, and Anara, as well as his great-grandchildren Sophia, Fabiola, and Leona.

Memorial services will be held in Ferney, SD, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund c/o Roni Dobberpuhl 14420 409th Ave. Conde, SD 57434 or Groton First Responders/Fire Department c/o Patti Woods 406 N. Main Groton, SD 57445.

To express condolences to the family and share in celebrating the life of Ron, please visit www.JohnsonTaylorFuneral.com and sign the online guestbook.  Arrangements are by Johnson Taylor Funeral and Cremation.