Ronald Dean Salmons, age 81, of Berlin X Roads, Ohio, passed away on January 24, 2025. Born on May 5, 1943, in the Gee Town area of Jackson County, Ronald lived a life that was rich in service, hard work, and dedication to his family and community. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Ronald was a 1961 graduate of Wellston High School.  He was a proud member of the Army Reserves from 1964 to 1970, completing his basic training at Fort Knox. His sense of duty was further reflected in his lifelong commitment to his work and his community. At just 13 years old, he began working as a caddy at Fairgreens Country Club, where he carried golf bags for just 90 cents a round. Later, he worked at Gem Bottling Company in Wellston, Ohio. Ronald retired after 35 years of service at Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Jackson, Ohio.

In his retirement years, Ronald became a passionate historian and local researcher, dedicating much of his time to uncovering the history of Berlin X Roads, his beloved community. His discoveries, including Civil War-era bullets and cannonballs which were found on home property, spurred extensive research on the area's role during Morgan's Raid. Ronald loved to share his findings, even dressing in Civil War-era clothing alongside Carol to present to local schools, libraries, and community members. He had a special gift for storytelling, captivating his audience with tales of the past.

A true lover of history, Ronald also enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including golfing, woodworking, metal detecting, antique and coin collecting, and genealogical research. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds, and The Ohio State Buckeyes, often reminiscing about his first solo trip via a train from Hamden to Cincinnati in order to watch the Redlegs play.

Ronald's devotion to his family was at the heart of everything he did. He valued his loved ones above all else and worked tirelessly to maintain their home and acreage, even in retirement. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experiences with his children and grandchildren, leaving behind a strong family legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Bellamy Salmons and Joshua Kazee Salmons, as well as his brothers, Linville Gene Salmons, Keith Salmons, and Carlos Salmons. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carol Pierce Salmons; his daughter, Cindy Salmons Miller (Eddie Miller); sons, Matthew Salmons and Jason Salmons (Jillian Eynon Salmons); grandchildren, Christopher Salmons, Kyle Salmons, Levi Miller, Ciera Miller, Madeline Salmons, and Maddox Salmons; his sister, Janet Salmons Kearns Faught (Bob Faught); many cousins, several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Ronald's life will be celebrated at a service officiated by Preacher Ron Thomas of the Rio Grande Church of Christ where Ronald was a faithful serving member. The family will receive friends and loved ones on Tuesday, January 28th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.  A Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday, January 29th, at 1 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home.  In keeping with Ronald's wishes, following a journey through his beloved Berlin X Roads community, cremation will take place.

Ronald will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the stories he shared, the work he did, and the love he gave.