Ronald Odell Rumsey, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 22, 2026. Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Ron graduated from Guilford College with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard before building a successful career as a commercial roofing contractor, working throughout North Carolina and Virginia.

A devoted and longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Hampton, Ron impacted the lives of many teenagers as Sunday School teacher and mission trip leader to Project Crossroads and Appalachian Service Project. Camp Rainbow Connection and Heart Havens also held a special place in his heart. He generously served on the board of directors for HELP, Inc. and enjoyed his work in the community in countless ways.

Ron will be remembered for his servant spirit, patient nature, and warm, kind-hearted sense of humor. Above all, he was a devoted father who guided and encouraged his children with love through every stage of their lives. During their 33 years of marriage, he and Sylvia shared a full and active life, enjoying travel, volunteer work, and cherished time with friends and family.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Gerald R. and Madge Rumsey; his brothers, Ray Rumsey and Donald Rumsey; he leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Sylvia P. Rumsey; son, William Rumsey (Tammy); daughters, Susan Hull (Scott), Anna Rumsey (Rachel), Julie Scoggin, and Amy Wolfe (Kelly); grandchildren, Derrick Rumsey, Logan Hull, Shaye Allibbai, Emma McManus, Will McManus, Andrew Wolfe, John Wolfe, Austin Lambeth, Payton Lambeth, and Rigdon Lambeth; four great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Grace Rumsey and Sally Rumsey; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews; and a host of dear friends.

His funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 110 East Queen Street, downtown Hampton; the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church from 12 – 1 PM. His reception will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall. A graveside service will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Guildford Memorial Park, Greensboro NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Camp Rainbow Connection at crcva.org/give.