Ronnie Joe Fanning

Ronnie Joe Fanning of Cool Ridge, WV died at his home on September 1, 2025 of natural causes at the age of 66.

Ronnie was a kind hearted man, and was loved and appreciated by many.

Born of West Virginia lineage, he was a true lover of the Appalachians. Throughout his life, Ronnie was an avid outdoorsman. As a very young child, his father and mother moved from their West Virginia homeland to the Chicago, Illinois area, where Ronnie spent much of his young life, camping, fishing and hunting along the shores of Lake Michigan and the surrounding woodlands of Northwest Indiana.

Ronnie was an exceptionally hard working  young man displaying leadership skills and a strong work ethic. In his high school years, he excelled in athletics  and enjoyed basketball and football while going so far as to  help win a state championship while playing linebacker for his St. Mary's of Lake football team in Miller Beach, Indiana.

He returned to West Virginia later in life to be closer to his family and outdoor pursuits. He will be missed by so many for his tender hearted demeanor, his thoughtful soul and honest personality.

Ronnie is survived by his mother, Phyllis Jo Fanning, his sister Gwen Lively (Dave), and brother Ken Fanning. He leaves behind  with great sorrow  his beloved daughter Lorie Beth Hunter, his two sons, Thomas Cecil Fanning and Joe Robert Fanning, as well as six grandkids, Lillie Beth Hunter, Mathieu Cecil Fanning, Xavier Jayden  Blake Fanning, Lucas Scott Fanning,  Daisy Renee Fanning, and Easton Joe Fanning.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his father Benjamin Fanning, and his grandchild Aiden Allen Hunter.

He also leaves behind a nephew, Sam Lively (Jen), and great nephew Andy Lively. Ronnie will be missed by his many aunts, uncles, and cousins of West Virginia, many of whom reside in Hanover, WV.

Today, his loyal hunting beagle Snoopy sits in the sun, looking and waiting for his best friends return.

"You will always be in my heart, because there you're still alive."

A Celebration of Ronnie's life will be held at a later date, to be announced.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net .

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring, WV.