Captain Ronald W. Salisbury of Lake Wales, Fla. passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025, at AdventHealth in Lake Wales, Fla.
Ron was born on July 3, 1957, in Milford to Reuben Wesley Salisbury, and Dolores Mai Sneed. In the late 70’s, Ron moved from his birth state of Delaware to Florida. He resided in Key West before moving to Lake Wales but maintained his home in Key West. He was very proud to be a member of the Conch Republic. He attended the University of Delaware and became a proud member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity, before succumbing to the call of adventure. He gained a certification in Celestial Navigation, which launched him on his maritime career. Shortly thereafter, Ron earned his first masters license and began his professional career as a captain on private yachts. He worked his way up the ladder in the maritime world, eventually commanding some of the largest ships on the ocean, including the largest motor-sail vessel ever built at the time. He worked in the New York harbor, out of the gulf states for the oil industry, and in Alaska, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, and Europe.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents and half-brother, R. Wesley Salisbury, Jr. He is survived by his sisters, Lola Tajen of Knoxville, Tennessee, Rita Salisbury of Seaford, Denise Ball of Hartsville, South Carolina, and Diane Conaway of Valley, California, and brother, Richard W. Salisbury of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Ron also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, Alev Ozipinici, Demir Tajen, Aaron Salisbury, Kevin Conaway, and Chris Conaway.
Services were held on Wednesday, July 23. Captain Ron was buried at sea, off the coast of the Florida Keys in waters 100 fathoms deep. In lieu of flowers, do something nice for your family. Ronnie would like that.