Ronald Lynn Dent, 69, of Bridgeport, passed away Thursday evening, September 4, 2014, following a brief illness. He was born in Clarksburg on Mother’s Day, May 13, 1945, a son of the late Russell Paul Dent, Sr. and Thelma “Nadine” Dye Dent.
Left to mourn their loss is his loving wife of 48 years, Sandra Jo Matheny Dent, whom he married August 19, 1966. And his devoted constant companion, Babydoll, a Jack Russell.
Also surviving are his daughters, Tonya Lynn Senatre and her husband Charles "Chuck" Senatre of Alexandria, VA; Donna Jean Reid and her husband Warren "Pete" Reid of Remington, VA; Rhonda Jo Whittaker and her husband Mark Whittaker of Hammonton, NJ; and Cynthia Marie Woolford and her husband Rodger Woolford of Clarksburg; his brother, Charles “Chuck” Dent and his wife Debbie Dent of Alexandria, VA; and his sister Carol Dent Rawlings and her husband Wilbur Rawlings of Alexandria, VA. Ronnie also leaves a legacy of ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Russell “Pete” Dent, Jr.; and his maternal grandparents, William Harrison Dye and Iva Lena Mitchell Dye.
Ronnie served in the US Army from 1962 – 1965. Over the decades Ronnie held several positions providing for his family. He was a delivery driver, factory worker, power plant maintenance, trapper, bricklayer, and handyman before he settled into building facilities and maintenance, which he did from 1985 to 2013. He was retired twice, first from S & S Properties, Falls Church, VA. After returning to his beloved West Virginia mountains and relaxing for several months, he quickly tired of the quiet life and returned to the workforce. He then worked for Willow Green until his final retirement in 2013.
He was an avid outdoorsman, and loved to spend his hours in the woods, on the banks of local lakes and waterways. As well as relaxing and watching his garden grow and the deer graze; preferably with a beer in hand.
Ronnie truly valued the beauty of his home state and the love of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions can be made to Hunters Helping the Hungry, DNR - Wildlife Resources Section, 324 Fourth Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303.

Ronnie had requested to be cremated. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport, on Saturday, September 13, 2014, from 11 a.m. – 12 Noon, where a celebration of life service will be held at 12 Noon.