Ronald “Ronnie” Lee Scarbrough, lovingly known to many as “Peewee,” passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026, surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly.
Born on June 8, 1940, in Sims, Illinois, Ronald was the son of John and Beulah (Coil) Scarbrough. He was raised alongside his siblings Jerry, Wayne, Herman “Bud”, and Patricia “Sissy”. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Jerry and Wayne; his sister Sissy; his beloved wife, Eleanor “Ellie” R. (Freels) Scarbrough; and his son, Russell Lee Scarbrough.
Ronnie married Ellie on November 7, 1970. Ronnie and Ellie began their married life in Rochelle, Illinois, where he worked for Swift & Company. They later settled in Wayne City, Illinois, where Ronnie pursued his lifelong passion for trading. He founded Anchor Salvage and spent many years buying, selling, and trading with the people he met along the way. Though Ellie passed away on March 19, 1985, Ronnie carried her memory in his heart for the rest of his life. He often shared the story of meeting “the most beautiful blonde he had ever seen,” and how she refused to date him unless he quit drinking and proved it. Ronnie proudly told how he threw his drinks out of the car window that very day and never again picked up another. Together, Ronnie and Ellie built a loving blended family that he affectionately referred to as “yours, mine, and ours.”
Ronnie was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who treasured his family above all else. He is survived by his daughters, Cindy (Henry) Holt, Melinda (Troy) Buyers, Pam (Hugh) Sons, Penny (Wayne) Starnes; his sons, Darrel (Lois) Strouse and Kevin (Lora) Strouse; 18 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.
Ronnie will be remembered for his love of family, his gift for storytelling, his hardworking spirit, and the lasting impact he made on everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
A celebration of Ronald’s life will be held at Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church, 154 County Road 815 East, Wayne City, Illinois, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., with funeral services following at 2:30 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Baltimore Cemetery beside his beloved wife, Ellie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made toward Ronald’s final expenses and may be made payable to “Young Funeral Home.” Memorials will be accepted at the service, or may be mailed to: Young Funeral Home, 803 West Robinson Street, Wayne City, Illinois, 62895.
Online condolences, memories, and words of encouragement may be shared at www.youngfuneralhomellc.com.
