IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Ronald Ray

Ronald Ray Muffley Profile Photo

Muffley

Oct 19, 1940 — Jan 9, 2025

Obituary

Ron was born in Jump River, Wisconsin in 1940.  Raised by his loving parents, Lester and Joy Muffley, through the turbulent time of WWII.  Ronald "Speed" was known early in life for his athletic abilities in football, baseball, and wrestling where he was a three-time wrestling runner-up in Illinois.  He decided to forgo scholarships for baseball and wrestling to join the Air Force where he proudly served as a B-52 bombardier during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  He never talked much about his service, but he was profoundly proud of serving the country he loved and is honored to be resting in the Georgia National Cemetery.

Growing up in small towns from northern Wisconsin, Storm Lake, Iowa, and eventually ending up in Matteson, Illinois. Ron was known for his mischievous ways.  It was always harmless "good ole fun" in the doldrums of small-town living.  All of his children and grandchildren knew from an early age that "mischievous twinkle" in his eyes!

Ronald married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Ayers, in 1964, and they cherished 61 years of love together. He was a devoted and caring husband, as well as a proud father to Michele Morgan Aylward (John Patrick), Rhonda Ann Henriksen (David), and Brian Lester Muffley (Victoria, "Tori").

Ronald had 3 sisters, that he may or may not have terrorized along the way.  Audrey Richter (Robert), Joy "Sue" Knaak (Robert), and Joanne Cerny (Jerome).

Ronald was so proud in 1990 when he became affectionately known as 'Papa', being the grandfather to nine grandchildren: Jacob Aylward (Brynn), Abigail Rivers (Stewart), Caroline Henriksen (Blake), Sydney Rivara (Macintosh), Owen Muffley (Emiley), Andrew Henriksen, Grace Segars, Luke Muffley, Benjamin Muffley.

Ronald was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Sloane Aylward, Smith Aylward, and Flynn Rivers.

Ron celebrated life each day, and one of his many joys in life was going to see his kids and grandchildren's activities and sports.  He and Nana hardly missed an event as they were often some of the loudest supporters.  He also enjoyed sitting on the couch and watching the White Sox, Georgia Bulldogs, but most ardently the Green Bay Packers and Notre Dame!  We laughed because when Ron passed into heaven Notre Dame was losing, and we like to think that their biggest fan pulled a string or two to get the victory over Penn State.

Ron and Patti deeply loved the Lord and embraced their calling to share love with those in need. Wherever Ron worshipped, he was actively involved—whether through church finances, Bible studies, or handyman ministries. He exemplified what it meant to not only believe, but to consistently put others first through service.

Ron and Patti were blessed with many enduring friendships throughout their lives. They were deeply loved and loved others in return, knowing that it is people and relationships that truly make life meaningful.

Ronald Muffley was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Joy; his cherished in-laws, Arthur and Sylvia Ayers; and his beloved youngest sister, Joy "Sue" Knaak.

Papa will be missed by those that knew him.  He was kind, gentle, humorous and devoted – making this world a better place!

A Celebration of Life service will be held on February 8th at 11:00 a.m. at the following location with a luncheon to follow:
Grace Church
1160 Butterworth Rd.
Canton, GA 3011

Funeral Services

Celebration of Life

February
8

Saturday

Starts at 11:00 am

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