Ronald Lee McBride

Ronald Lee McBride, Sr., age 78 years, a resident of rural Simpson, Illinois, passed away Tuesday morning, December 9, 2025, at 2 A.M. at his home. Ron was born December 28, 1946, in Johnson County Illinois. He was the eldest of eight children born to Walter and Mary (Gillespie) McBride. On February 7, 1965, Ron was united in marriage to Marie Musgraves at the home of Rev. Arthur Dunn, near Cypress, Illinois. She preceded him in death on April 22, 2016. Ron is survived by: his sons – Richie McBride of Simpson, Illinois, Chris (Nina) McBride of Vienna, Illinois, and Shawn (Meleah) McBride of Marion, Illinois; 11 grandchildren – William, Chelsea, Jordan, Quinton, Dawson, Alivia, Krista, Liberty, Andrew, Maddox, and Aria; 7 great grandchildren – Kylie, Sydney, Rayden, Keiny, Dani, Sylvester, and Bertie; his siblings – Jim Bob (Virginia) McBride of Vienna, Illinois, Elizabeth Pepin of Marion, Illinois, Billy (Betty) McBride of Montana, Peggy Hoots of Simpson, Illinois, Pat Green of Simpson, Illinois, Jackie Catoe of Karnak, Illinois and Mary Ellen (Gary) Mathis of Wisconsin; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Ron was preceded in death by a son – Ronald Lee McBride, Jr. and a daughter – Ronda Malkowski. Ron was a 1964 graduate of Vienna High School. He had been employed as a truck driver and insurance agent. Ron was an entrepreneur and owned and operated a number of businesses through the years. He had very strong political convictions and was the creator of the We Democrats website. Ron enjoyed reading and was a devoted student of family genealogy as well having an extensive knowledge of botany. Ron also enjoyed P.C. gaming and fantasy sports; often maintaining fantasy football, baseball and basketball teams simultaneously. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral service. A private celebration of Ron’s life will be conducted. Interment will be in the Bridges Cemetery, southwest of Vienna. Memorials may be made to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, Virginia 22172 or online at www.toysfortots.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905 or online at www.stjude.org Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.

Ronald Lee McBride

December 28, 1946 - December 9, 2025