Ronald William McGraw, 66, of Bloomington, passed peacefully at home on Oct. 13, 2023, surrounded by his family.
Ron was born on March 10, 1957 the son of Bob and Gerna McGraw. He married his high school sweetheart, Rosemary England, during a blizzard on December 30th, 1978. She survives in Bloomington.
Ron is survived by his mother, Gerna (Don) Lewis of Branson, Missouri. He is also survived by his children, Mallory (Mark) Clifton of Thibodaux, Louisiana, and Mike (Jenny) McGraw of Bloomington. Also left to cherish his memory are his three grandchildren. He was a special “Bauxpaux” to Laney Belle Clifton of Thibodaux, Louisiana and a special “Grandpa” to Callum Daniel McGraw and Oliver Stine McGraw of Bloomington.
Ron is also survived by his twin brother, Bob (Julie) McGraw, Ray (Kerry) McGraw, Jim (Elaine) McGraw and sister Fawn (Kevin) Lynch. Special extended family members and nieces and nephews also survive.
Ron was proceeded in death by his father, Bob McGraw and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Gene and Earlene England.
Ron graduated from ROVA High School in 1975 and then attended Morrison Institute of Technology. He worked as a draftsman and land surveyor for several years. With the encouragement of his father-in-law, he returned to college to obtain his teaching certificate from Western Illinois University. While teaching Industrial Arts at Sherrard High School, he obtained two Master’s Degrees from Western. Ron continued his career in education as an Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Monmouth High School. He served as Principal of Knoxville High School for 10 years before finishing his career with the Illinois High School Association as an Assistant Executive Director. Throughout his career, he felt privileged to be mentored by many of the finest teachers, coaches, and administrators in Central Illinois, many of whom remained very special life long friends. His years with the IHSA allowed him to work with Administrators, Coaches, Officials, Volunteers and student athletes from across the State of Illinois. It was a rewarding way to end his career in education and he treasured the special bond with his coworkers at the IHSA office.
A social hour is planned to share fond memories of Ron with family and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19 at Biaggi’s in Bloomington. A eulogy and prayer will be given at 5:45 p.m. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home in Bloomington is assisting with arrangements.
The family would like to thank Ron’s medical care teams at OSF, Illinois Cancer Care, and MD Anderson in Houston, Texas for the wonderful and compassionate care he received.
Memorials may be made to the IHSA School Activities Foundation, Saint Genevieve Catholic School of Thibodaux, Louisiana or Shriners Children’s Chicago.
To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
