Ronald Alvah Batchelder
Ronald Alvah Batchelder, an avid NASCAR fan and inventor, was born February 8, 1941 as the first born son of Gertrude and Alvah Batchelder of Frankfort, Maine. Ronald died on March 1, 2025 at his winter home in Dade City, Florida at the age of 84. Ronald embodied a true sense of camaraderie and dependability. His unwavering loyalty to friends and family was evident in every act of kindness and his constant willingness to assist those in need. Ronald’s delightful stories and adventures are treasured memories for all who knew him.
Ron attended the Frankfort Grammar School in Frankfort Maine through the eighth grade and transferred to the Leroy H Smith High School in Winterport, Maine from which he graduated in 1959. He held high honors in both math and science throughout his sophomore, junior, and senior years.
Ronald dedicated 20 years of honorable service to the United States Air Force. His expertise in radar installation and maintenance took him to remarkable places, including a notable assignment on Shemya Island, Alaska, site of the COBRA DANE radar station, at the end of the Aleutians only 300 miles from Russia. After his military career, he continued his passion for engineering in Michigan, helping to design the Meijer Warehouse in Delta Township where he became known affectionately as “The Birdman” after enticing a bird to land on his hand to safely remove it from a warehouse.
Ronald’s zest for life extended beyond his professional achievements. An avid NASCAR fan, he found joy in the thrill of the race and was especially proud of his Jeff Gordon signed Monte Carlo. His competitive spirit shone brightly as he participated in the Senior Olympics, and he cherished the fellowship of the Potterville Michigan Masonic Lodge, following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, both having been lifetime members in the Order of Masons in their hometown in Maine, and the Brookfield Order of the Eastern Star. Along with his other community involvement, Ron was also a former member of the Potterville Lion’s Club.
Ron is survived by his four daughters, Debra ( Ron) Kindal, Nancy Laurion, Sabrina (Jim) Mathay and Teresa (Chris) Hoffman; his three brothers, Kenneth (Marge) Batchelder, Edwin (Sharon) Batchelder, and Vaughn Batchelder; 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, two nieces, two nephews, three stepchildren and their families.
Ron was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Elnora Fay Carney (Polly) the mother of their four children; his second wife, Vicki and the mother of Ron’s three step sons; and his sister-in-law, Randee Batchelder.
Ron will be remembered for his sense of loyalty to friends and family, his willingness to assist and offer aid when, and if, needed, his sometimes hot but remorseful temper and his sense of camaraderie and dependability with friends, family and anyone showing him respect. He was, and will be, loved and missed
Friends are encouraged to support Ron’s family at visitation Tuesday Evening March 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. The public is also welcome to attend Ron’s funeral service Wednesday March 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. Interment will follow in Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta.
The funeral service will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Ron’s tribute, then click on Photos & videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Lutheran Church, Charlotte. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Ron’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.