Ronald Thomas McCloud, 70, a resident of Valley Head heard the Angels rejoicing and as they walked him to Heaven, while his daughters sang hymns of praise to him as he took his Heavenly flight Tuesday evening, April 24, 2012 with his family at his side. Ronald was born Saturday, May 17, 1941 at Dry Ridge, a son of the late Rev. Scott T. McCloud and Beulah Mae Vandevender McCloud. He was married to Opal Martha Pritt McCloud on April 6, 1963 at Rev. Bryant’s home. Opal preceded him in death on November 5, 2006. Surviving are two daughters, Sherry Ware and husband, Lynn and Sharon Riggleman and husband, John, all of Valley Head, three grandchildren, Brett “Buckshot” Ware, Jonathan Riggleman, and Johanna Riggleman all of Valley Head, two sisters, Betty Pritt of Mingo and Louise Ball of Davis, one brother, Jim McCloud of Elkins, several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew and caretaker, Eugene Brown. Preceding Ronald in death besides his parents and wife was one sister, Kathleen Brown and twin siblings, Joe and Joann McCloud, a special brother-in-law, Roy Pritt, and three nephews. Ronald attended the schools of Randolph County at Dry Ridge (also called Sunrise School), had worked for Ricotilli Saw Mill in Marlinton, and had worked for Badger Coal Company in Philippi. He was a member of the Valley Head Volunteer Fire Department serving as firefighter and also president for several years. He was a janitor for several years with his wife, Opal, at the Brady Gate Church where he was a lifelong member, had worked for Mountain View Christmas Tree Farm, McAtee’s Exxon, Rennix Nursery, and the Town of Mill Creek. Dad worked hard all his life and loved every minute of it, from farming, raising a garden, working in the hayfield with Eugene, hunting and fishing, and he still made time to go to church and preach the Word of God. He was a true and bold soldier for God, who was always helping others and keeping us all in line when we needed it. Dads work in life leaves a legacy of how much of a true man he really was. He was often heard saying, “Hard work never hurt anyone.” He had many friends, and a church family that he loved to sing with. Although he seemed to be a hard man that spoke his mind, his concern for us was a constant reminder that he cared. He will truly be missed. Visitation will be held at the Randolph Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Saturday from 5 until 8 PM. On Sunday, April 29, 2012, Mr. McCloud will be moved to the Brady Gate Church where friends may call from 1PM until 2PM, the funeral hour. The Reverend Rick Cooper will officiate and interment will follow at the Mingo Cemetery.
