Ronald Lee Whitney

Ronald Lee Whitney passed away in his home in El Dorado Hills, California, on October 7, 2025, after a brief but courageous fight with cancer. Ron was born on October 10, 1948, in Long Beach, California, to William E. Whitney and Mary Christina (Barnhart) Whitney both of whom preceded him in death. Ron is survived by his wife of 48 years, Deborah Whitney, and their daughter, Teresa Whitney. Throughout their years together Ron was genuine and generous with his love, laughter, time, and energy. A devoted father, Ron’s world revolved around their daughter, Teresa, as the center of his universe. Ron is also survived by his brother, William E. Whitney, Junior, his nieces Barbara Mockridge and Kymberli Quackenbush, and their families.

Ron completed high school and 2 years of college studying tool engineering in Long Beach, California, before joining the United States Military where he was proud to have served in the Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic until his honorable discharge in 1974. Ron grew up in and around the shipyard in Long Beach his father managed.  His affinity for being in, on, or around the water and boats continued throughout his life, ranging from making skim and surf boards while in middle school to building and racing custom ski boats after his military discharge to refurbishing wooden hull sailing boats, patio boats and kayaks for family and friends to share. Ron was intelligent, successful, and savvy in business. Mechanically talented, artistic, creative, and analytical, Ron didn’t just work outside the box—with his imagination and vision, he often ignored the box completely. Ron was a skilled metalsmith and talented woodworker who took pride in his work as a finish carpenter. Ron created beautiful furniture as well as artistic and sculptural pieces as hobbies. Ron was honest, adventurous, and had a wonderful sense of humor sharing his smiles and laughter easily with family and friends. He liked Mexican and Italian foods and took pride in cooking for his family and friends. He was a kind person who enjoyed animals and birds, being outdoors, camping and gold panning.

Ron Whitney was a good man who is, and will continue to be, missed immensely by his family and friends. A Military Honors Tribute will be held, and family and friends will be notified once details are finalized. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made in Ron’s honor to the Pups4Patriots program:

https://www.americanhumane.org/what-we-do/care-for-our-heroes/pups4patriots/