Lonnie Ronald Millsaps, age 73, passed away on October 10, 2018.

Ron, as he was known by family and friends, was born in Forks, Washington to William Arthur and Julie Mae Millsaps on November 29, 1944. He was the fourth of four children. As a young child, Ron with his family moved to Northern California settling in McKinleyville. Ron formed many lifelong friendships in the town he called home and loved being part of the community. He attended school in McKinleyville and Arcata and his work on a mosaic in the McKInleyville High School quad made a lasting impact for subsequent classes of Panthers. Ron met Mary Dalton and they married and had three daughters. Although Ron and Mary divorced, Ron maintained lasting friendships with Mary and the Dalton Family considering Mary’s siblings part of the family.

 

Ron grew up loving the woods of Northern California but his passion was cars. Ron owned many cars and was always working on multiple vehicles. Many marveled at his ability to locate antique automobiles and recognize obscure parts needed for restoration. Anything with an engine, he could repair and tune to run well. A favorite story was of his dad having him take out and reinstall a transmission every day for two weeks when he was a teenager. He loved cars and was an avid collector of interesting and unique vehicles that kept him busy with restoration. A favorite pastime was walking through swap meets looking for parts and visiting with others that shared his passion. In addition to restoring, Ron was held in high regard for building engines with horsepower and was involved with the Samoa Drag Strip for many years. He had a wealth of knowledge that he shared with his family as well as so many friends. He was meticulous and so talented in restoring cars. He was a collector, it was hard for him to let those specialty cars, car parts and rare finds go.

Ron was a successful entrepreneur that started several businesses over the years. He started logging as a teenager with his father before working at Korbel and the Samoa Pulp Mill for Georgia Pacific. Ron then opened an auto body shop with his “pappy” before starting a logging company with friend Jim Fleming. After logging, Ron ventured into trucking operating RM Trucking for several years in which he owned several logging, chip and lumber trucks. RM Trucking was a source of pride as well as fond memories of many happy times and good friends. His children have looked to Ron for guidance and direction throughout their lives. As a traditional, loving parent, Ron emphasized right and wrong and that your word was your bond. More importantly, our poppa was always the first one we talked to when facing a difficult or challenging decision. He was very proud, placing his family first and worked hard each day for them.

Ron is survived by his loving children, Shonnie (Jim) Bradbury, Cable (Allison) Kurwitz, Marni Shultz, Brandi Holweg and Heather Kurwitz as well as being blessed with grandchildren, Jessica Bradbury, Dylan (Jamie) Millsaps, Sydney Shultz, Shylby Shultz, Abby Kurwitz, Mason Holweg, Augustus Kurwitz, Olivia Holweg and Zephan Richardson. Ron was blessed with one great-grandchild Raegan Millsaps. Furthermore, Ron is survived by his loving dog Daisy, who was his loyal companion and the apple of his eye.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, William Arthur and Julie Mae Millsaps, his paternal and maternal grandparents, brother A.J. Millsaps, sister Raulene (Walt) Cringle, sister Patsy (Bill) Turner, nephew Bruce Cringle, great nieces Megan and Danielle, in-laws Cecil and Faye Dalton, father-in-law Orville Cruson, grandson Fisher and many uncles and aunts as well as other extended family and many cherished friends.

Ron will be remembered as a true and loyal friend from many across our community. The family has been humbled by the number of friendships that Ron made throughout his life. We are overwhelmed with gratitude with the support we have received throughout this difficult time.

Rest easy Dad, you have taught us well.

There will be a memorial to celebrate Ron’s life at: McKinleyville High School Gym on Saturday, October 20th at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Samoa Drag Strip — please make donations to: HDNTA- Humboldt Del-Norte Timing Association (Ron Millsaps) P.O. Box 1211 Eureka, CA 95502.

The family would love for you to drive your favorite Hot Rod to the memorial in his honor.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ron’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.