Ronald Frederick Boyle

In Loving Memory of Ronald Frederick Boyle 

October 12, 1932 – June 28, 2026

Ronald Frederick Boyle, age 93, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on October 12, 1932, in Flint, Michigan. Born during the Great Depression, Ron's early experiences helped shape a life defined by patriotism, loyalty, service, integrity, laughter, and unwavering optimism.

Ron proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He enlisted at the age of 18, entering the service with the rank of Airman. After completing cadet training, he was commissioned as an officer and selected for pilot training. His service included positions as a command pilot for B-47 bombers, as an instructor pilot for both T-37 and T-38 trainers, and a final assignment as an F-100 fighter pilot in Vietnam. During his tour in Vietnam, he was shot down twice: once over the South China Sea and once over Laos. Ron’s call sign was “Red Fox,” and his military awards included two Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism, the Air Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Ron retired at the rank of Major after a distinguished 20 years as a command pilot.

After retirement from the Air Force, Ron transitioned to civil aviation as a corporate pilot, flying a variety of aircraft including a Learjet 35, a Hawker 800, and a Falcon 50. His corporate career included flying for Broyhill Furniture Company out of Hickory, North Carolina, and later in Fort Worth, Texas, as chief pilot for Fuller Petroleum, faithfully serving the Fuller family for 18 years – always finding peace and freedom in the skies.

While working for Broyhill, Ron met Susan Montgomery Hedrick, who was the love of his life. They married in 1977 and began their life together in Fort Worth, Texas. They were sweethearts for the entirety of their 49-year marriage. After finishing his career as a commercial pilot, Ron followed a family tradition of entrepreneurship, establishing himself first in the insurance industry and later as the founder and owner of a hearing aid company. Through his work he improved the lives of many by ensuring their families were taken care of, and finally, helping others reconnect with the sounds and conversations that make life meaningful.

Beyond his career accomplishments, Ron will be remembered most for the joy he brought to those around him with his wonderful sense of humor, quick wit, and remarkable ability to find the positive in every situation. His optimism was contagious, and his kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone he met. As avid golfers, Ron and Susan treasured time spent with friends on the golf courses of Lost Creek and Ridglea Country Clubs. Whether he was sharing a joke, a “Ron-ism” (as his quick-witted one liners were fondly referred to), offering encouragement, or celebrating life's simple pleasures, Ron had a gift for making every moment brighter. Ron's legacy is one of patriotism, service, perseverance, generosity, and love. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his example of living with courage, gratitude, and good humor will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

Before marrying Susan, Ron was married to Bonita Mae Occhetti for 18 years, and together they had five children. He is survived by his loving family: his wife, Susan Boyle; his son, Ronald Frederick (Nancy) Boyle III of Fort Worth, Texas; his daughter, Anna (Jeff) Hazelrigg of Coppell, Texas; his three grandchildren, Kirstin (Ryan) Hoffman, Nick (Ellen) Hazelrigg, and Brenn Boyle; his great-grandson, Hank Hazelrigg; his siblings, Richard Boyle of Shelton, Washington; Judy Boyle of Vancouver, Washington; David (Krista) Boyle of Chelan, Washington; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will forever cherish the memories, laughter, and unconditional love he shared throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents: his mother, Lillian Delaney; his father, Frederick Boyle; his stepmother, Lucille Boyle; his three infant sons, Ronald Frederick Boyle II and twins, Alfred and Frederick Boyle; his sisters, Donna Grow and Carol Wendt; and his sister-in-law, Linda Moore.

A Memorial Service celebrating Ron's life will be held at the Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 4350 River Oaks Blvd., Fort Worth, TX on July 23, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held immediately following at Luther’s Room at Ridglea Country Club from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ron will be laid to rest with military honors at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX with interment services on July 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

Honorary pallbearers are Ronald F. Boyle III, Jeff Hazelrigg, Nick Hazelrigg, Brenn Boyle, Ryan Hoffman, Richard Boyle, and Earl Larkin. 

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, online at https://t2t.org/

"Blue skies and tailwinds, Major Boyle. Your mission is complete. 

Your legacy will continue to soar."