Ronald E. McWilliams, known to his family and friends as "Captain Ron" passed away peacefully at home in Summerfield, Florida on March 22, 2023 at the age of 89 under the care of the Hospice of Marion County. He was born in Tampa, Florida and is survived by his wife of 36 years, Annie McWilliams. Ron leaves behind a brother, Bruce (Addison, TX), daughter Vivian Bennett (Hobe Sound, FL) and stepsons David (Tam) Hiers (Leesburg, VA) and Richard McClosky (San Jose, CA). He also leaves behind grandsons Brandon and Aron Bennett of Hobe Sound, FL and Matthew Hiers of Valley Center, CA.

Ron graduated from Hillsborough High School in Tampa, FL and attended the University of Florida before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He graduated from the Officer Candidate School and earned his "flying wings" for fixed wing and rotor airplanes.

After leaving the Army, he flew helicopters in Utah before being hired by the Boeing Company's Vertol Division in Philadelphia, PA as an experimental test pilot for the Chinook Helicopter Program. After leaving the test program, he entered the marketing division where he completed 32-years with the company. During his time with Boeing he lived in Hawaii, Australia, Seattle and Washington D.C. It was during his time in D.C. that Ron met Annie and they lived aboard their boat, a 42' Krogen Trawler and upon his retirement they cruised the East Coast of the U.S., Canada and the Bahamas.

Per Ron's wishes, he was cremated, and no services have been planned. His ashes will be dispersed off the island of St. Lucia later this year.

If you would like to make any donations, please do so by donating to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.

The family wishes to thank the Hospice of Marion County, especially Rae, Jessica and Chaplain John. May God bless you all.

Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449.  Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com .