Ronnie Baxter Harless

Beloved husband, father, and papaw, Ronnie Baxter Harless, 71, of Madison, West Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at Hubbard Hospice House surrounded by his family. Ronnie was the second of four sons born to the late Ray and Jackie Harless.

Ronnie was a 1971 graduate of Scott High School and from an early age, he loved the satisfaction of a hard day’s work. Neighbors would know him as the newspaper delivery boy, navigating his route around West Madison on horseback when he was still in grade school. In high school, he took on a position at his father’s ESSO Service Station before entering the coal mines after graduation. Ronnie climbed his way to Chief Electrician while working at various mine sites for Armco Steel, Peabody, Eastern, and Patriot Coal before retiring in 2006. Along the way, he established a U.S. patent for an invention to improve mining efficiency. 

Known for his truly adventurous spirit, Ronnie was always up for a good time. Whether water- or snow-skiing, four-wheeling, golfing, hunting, or skydiving – he had a zeal for the great outdoors in West Virginia and beyond. Some of his proudest athletic moments included hitting a hole-in-one at Riverview Country Club and taking down a record 300-pound black bear with a bow on Williams Mountain.

Ronnie possessed a fierce love and loyalty for his family and friends and enjoyed sharing experiences with those closest to him. His ski trips to Canaan Valley and Snowshoe were the can’t-miss events of the year. He sharpened his skills as a hunter alongside his father and his brothers, and he cruised the open roads with his parents by his side as an avid motorcyclist. His proudest achievements were his roles as Dad and Papaw. He dedicated himself to supporting his wife and daughters and providing them with the best life possible.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary; daughters Stephanie Neely of Parkersburg, West Virginia, Emily (Geoff) Coyle of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Ashley (Jarred) Zuccari of McLean, Virginia; grandchildren Peyton (Garrett) Grafton, Hunter (Elle) Neely, Blake Neely, Harlow Zuccari, Brody Zuccari; brothers Phil (Debby) Harless, Terry (Debra) Harless, Steve (Grace) Harless, all of Madison, West Virginia; and a host of extended family and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Margie Cook, as well as the staff at Hubbard Hospice House, for the excellent care and compassion provided to Ronnie and his family.

A celebration of Ronnie’s life will be held at Handley Funeral Home in Danville, West Virginia on Wednesday, December 18 at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Tom Bias officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens on Low Gap Road, Madison. Visitation will take place from 6 to 8 PM on Tuesday, December 17 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ronnie’s memory to the Charleston Parkinson’s Support Group, 222 Capitol Street, Suite 500, Charleston, WV 25301