Ronnie Gene "Ron" Cosper

Ronnie Gene “Ron” Cosper, 82, of Raleigh, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, January 8, 2026, at Transitions LifeCare.

Born on April 8, 1943, in Williamson, Texas, to the late Marvin Willis Cosper and Minnie Lorene (Hein) Cosper, Ron’s story was one of quiet grit, deep integrity and fierce devotion. He was the kind of man who built his life, not from privilege, but from true heart and perseverance. From humble beginnings, he rose through sheer will and unwavering discipline, driven by love for his family, loyalty to his country, and a deep sense of responsibility to those he led and served alongside.

As a commissioned Officer in the United States Army, Ron served with distinction as a Combat Advisor during the Vietnam War, including throughout the Tet Offensive. His leadership wasn’t loud; it was deliberate, steady and fearless when it mattered most. On January 31, 1968, while serving as Senior Advisor to the 3rd Battalion, 14th Regiment, 9th Infantry Division of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, Ron led from the front during a brutal urban battle in Vinh Binh Province. When enemy forces seized key positions and halted the advance, Ron, heedless of the extreme danger, rushed to within ten meters of the insurgent Viet Cong to observe, engage and take action. Captain Cosper’s gallant conduct restored momentum to the mission and reclaimed the city. For this extraordinary heroism, Ron was awarded the Silver Star, the U.S. Army’s third-highest decoration for valor in combat.

He also received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement during a year of sustained ground operations and was honored by the South Vietnamese government with the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, a prestigious foreign decoration recognizing exceptional bravery and leadership in combat. The award reflected his courage and the deep trust he earned from allies whose lives depended on him.

As a trained instructor in U.S. Army Special Warfare, Ron later helped shape the next generation of military leaders, passing on the values he lived by: discipline, humility and a fierce commitment to serving the longevity of his country.

After retiring from the Army, Ron carried those same values into civilian life. He thrived in senior-level management in Texas, Alabama, New York, Maryland, Colorado, North Carolina and excelled in international contract manufacturing in Monterrey, Mexico. Ron was awarded with the 2005 Shingo Prize, an international honor, for “Excellence in Manufacturing" in the category of Large Businesses. In Mexico, he was formally honored by the Celestica Monterrey leadership team for his dedication and contributions to the company’s growth, an achievement he deeply valued. He later concluded his professional journey at Han-Tek, where he was admired for his clarity, vision and strength of character.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Linda Quill Cosper; his children, Jennifer Renee Cosper of Wyoming, Cynthia Ann Mierop of Clayton, NC, and Jon Raymond Cosper of Huntsville, AL; and by his stepdaughters, Natasha V. Vukelic of Long Branch, NJ and  E. Contessa A. Tobin (Patrick) of Pittsford, NY, each of whom he loved deeply and parented with pride. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren; his sister, Elaine Gwendolyn Veralaine Ross of New Braunfels, Texas; and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his three brothers: Randall, Royce, and Rayford Cosper.

Ron's funeral service will be held at 2:45 p.m., Tuesday afternoon, March 31, 2026 at the Old Post Chapel on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Fort Myer, Virginia, with burial following with full Military Honors in Arlington National Cemetery, joining his fellow soldiers in honored service and eternal rest.

A man of immense discipline, quiet dignity, and rare integrity, Ron’s spirit was developed through hard work and immense dedication. Starting from humble beginnings, Ron built a life of purpose and accomplishment. Every step forward came through dedication, self-motivation and a deep commitment to something greater than himself. He gave his best to his family, his country, his employees, and his community. His legacy lives not just in medals or milestones, but in the strength and love he poured into the people lucky enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com.