Ronald Drew

Ronald H. "Ron" Drew, 82, of East Ridge, passed away Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, at his residence. He was born in Utica, N.Y., and has been a resident of the Chattanooga area since 1989 and was a long time member of St. Thaddaeus +Episcopal Church. He was a graduate of the University of the state of New York, receiving his bachelor of science degree. He was a retired veteran of the United States Air Force having served in both Korea and Vietnam. His decorations included three Air Force Commendation Medals, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. In addition, he served as project manager for a new air defense system, for which he was awarded an Air Defense Command Commendation Certificate. He also served as a sub-system manager during the construction of the North American Air Defense (NORAD) Command's underground command post. Following his military term he had a lengthy career in public service as a director of public safety, city manager and city administrator of several different municipalities across the United States. He was an avid world traveler and had great appreciation for many different genres of music. He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa of 50 years; and his son, Mark. He is survived by sons, Kenneth and Michael; and daughter, Cheryl; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and brothers, Dave and Jack. Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, at St. Thaddaeus' Episcopal Church with the Rev. David Hackett officiating. The family would like to request in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the book of remembrance at St. Thaddaeus Episcopal Church or that an angel from the angel tree be chosen to provide Christmas for in his memory. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com. Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.