Ronald Durham

Ronald "Ron" Lee Durham entered into the presence of the Lord on September 25, at the age of 81, with his wife, Linda, by his side. His battle with Vascular Dementia over the past few years was difficult for him and his family, but we rejoice that he is now whole and with his Lord and Savior!

Ron was born on January 16, 1942, in Joliet, Illinois, to Jesse and Arlene Durham. After moving to Southern California at two years of age, Ron graduated from Reseda High School. Ron briefly attended Pierce College before graduating with both a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Engineering from UCLA as well as a Masters of Divinity from the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University.

Ron was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he proudly served our country and earned a Good Conduct Medal. Ron met the love of his life, Linda Young, at a bowling event through their home church, Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA. In 1979, they had their first son, Brett, and four years later had their second son, Scott. Ron, Linda and their boys spent their early years as a family in Canyon Country, CA.

Ron was a brilliant, but humble, engineer. Upon graduating from UCLA, Ron began his career at McDonald Douglas. After finishing his service in the Army, Ron's career spanned nearly 40 years at Lockheed Martin. Ron and the family moved to Acworth, GA in 1991 to work on the F-22 program at Lockheed Martin's Marietta, GA plant. In addition to being an excellent engineer, Ron also served as a church Elder, a Harrison High School Wrestling booster club President, and a baseball coach to his sons.

Ron was a faithful husband, a dedicated father, a caring brother, and an exemplary follower of Jesus. Those who knew him would say he was a loving man who always did his best to make people feel cared for and welcomed wherever he was. He loved to tell people about Jesus and made huge impacts in the lives of many people all over the world. He loved to teach the Bible, loved his UCLA bruins and LA Angels, loved a good meal, and loved being at home.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Arlene, brothers Richard and Robert, and sister Diane. Ron is survived by his wife Linda, sons Brett and Scott, daughters-in-law Holly and Heather, granddaughters MaryMayes, Maddie and Avery, grandson Luke, brother James, and many nieces and nephews.

Ron will be buried in Canton, GA at the Georgia National Cemetery on October 4 at a small ceremony. A Celebration of Life service will held be on Saturday, October 7, at 2pm at Ron and Linda's home church, Summit Baptist Church, 4310 Moon Station Lane, Acworth, GA 30101.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Campus Crusade for Christ, Alzheimer's Association, or your favorite charity.