Ronald Lee "Ben" Dooley

Ronald Lee “Ben” Dooley, 75, of Roanoke, passed away on August 2, 2025, in Roanoke, Virginia. He was born on March 11, 1950, to the late John LaFayette Dooley and Mildred Juanita Hartberger Dooley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard Dooley and Donald G. “Buck” Dooley and sisters, Evelyn V. Welch, Brenda J. Dooley and Sally A. Grubb.

Ronald was a devoted husband and a man who truly loved everyone he met. A proud resident of Bedford, Ronald spent many years working in construction in Alaska. More recently, he served as a bus driver for Roanoke Schools, where he was known for making each day enjoyable for the children he transported. Ronald had a passion for the outdoors, finding joy in hunting and fishing. Additionally, he possessed a love for dancing.

He is survived by his wife, Gigi Beckner; children, David Boynes and wife, Bobbie Jo and Dana Silva and husband, Bear; grandchildren, Ellen Silva, Dean Silva, David Boyne, Jr. and Denise Serneo and husband, Steven; great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Theo; stepson, Michael Beckner and husband, Lora; step-grandchildren, Raven Beckner and Brody Beckner; siblings, Robert R. Dooley, Catherine M. Moore, Ruth Diane Starkey and husband, Larry, Carl Wayne Dooley, Roger D. Dooley and wife, Genny, Steve Dooley, Mary Sue Plunkett and husband, Ed, and Vickie G. Chambers and husband, Marvin and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made toward Ben’s funeral expenses by contacting Tharp Funeral Home at 540-586-3443.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Edgewood Christian Church in Roanoke, Virginia, starting at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Montvale Presbyterian Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at Montvale Recreation Center. The family will receive friends On Friday, August 8, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family. To send online condolences please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.