Ronald Dorsey
February 25, 1938 - August 23, 2018

Ronald R. Dorsey, 80 of 3119 Rose St., Sarasota, Fla., peacefully departed this life on August 23, 2018 from COPD at Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota where he received skilled and compassionate care in his final days. His son Robert and brother-in-law John Shipp were dedicated to helping him through his extended illness. Ron was born on February 28, 1938 in Peoria, Illinois to Ralph Dorsey and Irma Taylor Dorsey. He is survived by his wife Vicki, son Robert, daughters Kristine and Robin, 5 grandsons: Victor, Nicholaus, Christian, Alixander, and Avalon, two great granddaughters, two sisters, Joann and Linda as well as a brother Tom. His father, mother, stepmother, three sisters and a brother preceded him in death. Ron served with the U.S. Army from 1963 for his basic training until his discharge from the reserves in 1969. He served as a Radio Teletype Operator and was stationed for 2 years in Korea. He often talked quite fondly about his service and was proud of the time he served in the Military. When he returned to civilian life he worked at Keystone Steel & Wire Company in Peoria for 14 years and at the same time worked part time at the Bartonville Zephyr gas station. When he retired from Keystone he took over the operation of the gas station. In 1977 he moved with his family to Sarasota and for 27 years he was the owner of Dorsey's Mobile service station on the corner of Lockwood Ridge Road and 17th Street where he made many friends with his loyal customers. Ron was a hard worker and was committed to providing a good life for his family. He retired in 2004 although his retirement was short lived and Ron soon began working part time with a local contractor repairing and modernizing homes and for a number of years Ron enjoyed helping teenage boys to participate in the Special Olympics. This organization held a special place in his heart.
His body will be cremated and his ashes interred at Sarasota National Cemetery.
Military services will be held on Thursday, September 6th at 10:00 a.m. The cemetery serves an estimated 300,000 Veterans in southwestern Florida. Ron was loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

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