Obituary of Ronald DuPriest

MARION, VIRGINIA: RONALD WAYNE DuPRIEST, age 65, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2012 in Chilhowie, Virginia. Born on October 23, 1946 in Portsmouth, Virginia, Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Wilfred and Ruth York DuPriest; grandparents John and Virginia York of Marion; Walter and Emma DuPriest of Nottoway County; and local great-grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Elbert Ross. Ron is survived by his sister, Walda DuPriest-Brandt and husband Robert F. Brandt III of St. Michaels, Maryland; one daughter Andrea Leigh Hale of Richmond, Virginia; several very special cousins and close friends. Ron and his family moved to his mother's home town of Marion upon the death of his father in 1947. Ron was educated in Marion schools and Fork Union Military Academy. He also attended Marion College, Cornell and Purdue Universities. Ron's career spanned 29 years managing private clubs and resorts from Coral Gables Florida to Chicago. As an award-winning club manager he attained the designation of Certified Club Manager and Certified Food and Beverage Executive while earning designations such as top restaurant manager in the U.S. by his professional association. Following his retirement from the club business Ron entered the security business, serving as driver and personal bodyguard for various celebrities and politicians such as Sen. John Warner. At age 59, he entered the police academy in North Carolina where he was affectionately called "grandpa" and became Chief of Security and Law Enforcement in St. James, North Carolina, retiring due to his illness with the rank of Major. Some of his fondest memories were of his Marion childhood, playing little league and making all-state chorus, boy scouts and Saturday matinees with friends. Singing was his passion and he joined a quartet, The Laytons; that included friends David Layton, Len Mink and Roger Barton. The group played local colleges and the Barter Theater. Throughout his life, Ron was a volunteer in civic, business and church activities and boards. He was appointed to the Council on Federal Asset Retention for the Commonwealth of Va. by Governor Gilmore. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Marion Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Mark Ross officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 7:00 p.m until 9:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marion Baptist Church, 1258 North Main Street, Marion, Va 24354 or St. James Fire Department, 3628 St. James Drive, Southport, NC 28461. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the DuPriest family.