Ronald Eugene Scarborough

Ronald Scarborough, 85, passed away on January 27, 2026, in Chapel Hill, NC.

Ronald was born on June 2, 1940 to Fred Eugene Scarboro and Elba Louise Loftin. Ronald was a Radioman in the United States Navy. He served on many ships including: U.S.S. Lake Champlain and the U.S.S. Lake Tallahatchie County , which was one of only two ships configured as an Advanced Aviation Base Ship. He took extreme pride in his outstanding service record and his time in the Navy spent traveling to various ports and countries. Ronald was on board the U.S.S. Lake Champlain during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His ship picked up Astronaut Alan Shepard after his historic Mercury-Redstone 3 flight on May 5, 1961. Ronald's pride in his service to the U.S. Navy was only second to the pride he felt as a husband and father. He built an amazing life for his family in Chapel Hill after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill with his Bachelor's Degree. Ronald was an accomplished amateur carpenter, avid reader, enjoyed writing, and collected: books, historical coins and antique cameras.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret Scarborough; sons: Ryan Scarborough and Patrick Scarborough; and sister, Martha Sue Curtis.