Ronald Lee Houk, age 68, of Galax, Virginia, passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2021, in the Forsyth Medical Center.

Ron was born on June 30, 1953, in Welch, West Virginia. He is survived by his daughter and her fiancé, Tiffany Houk and Chris Hines. Brother and sister-in-law Don and Rose Houk of Galax, Virginia, nephew and his wife, Tyler and Fallon Houk of Atlanta, Georgia, and so many special friends.

He began his law enforcement career at the Galax Police Department on December 24, 1979. He was a graduate of the Virginia Forensic Science Academy, and retired from that department as a Detective Sergeant in 2004. He then trained police officers in Afghanistan. He returned to serve at the Independence Police Department and then back to the Galax Police Department part-time. There, he worked with Mike Hash and the two were called the AARP squad and two grumpy old men. He also served as an officer with Wytheville Community College Police Department. Ron served 42 years in law enforcement.

Ron enjoyed riding his motorcycle with the "gang". He loved bowling and had perfect 300 games. Ron decided to teach Chuck Harmon to bowl. He said "Do what I do". First throw was okay. When he got up to demonstrate how to get a spare, he fell. Likewise, Chuck fell, too. Ron was not amused. Those of you who frequent The County Line sometimes called Ron a "restaurant employee". He and his brother, Don, were a wrestling force to be reckoned with and thus, were called "The Force".

Ron was a well respected man by his family, colleagues and friends and will be greatly missed. Ron was truly an officer and a gentleman.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Galax with Pastor Rick Clark and Reverend Dr. Kevin Rosenfield officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:30 pm until time for the Memorial Service.