Ronnie (Ron) Lynn Quigley, of Atlanta GA, died on September 20, 2025, at the age of 84 after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was surrounded by his family. Ron was born on June 4, 1941, in Eunice, New Mexico to Rex and Lena E. Quigley, and his siblings were Lloyd D. Quigley, Rex G. Quigley, and Colleen McClellan, all of whom predeceased him.
Ron graduated from Hobbs High School in 1959 and then attended The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, where he distinguished himself as an honor roll (Gold Star) cadet and rose to become the third highest-ranking officer in the 2,000-man corps. He graduated in 1963 and was awarded a prestigious Root Tilden Scholarship to New York University School of Law, where he earned his degree in 1966. While at NYU, Ron met Dorothea Gianatasio at a mixer, and the two married shortly after his graduation in Pelham, New York. Following law school, Ron began his military service as a Captain in the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 1968, they moved to Atlanta, GA. Ron and Dorothea were married for 28 years and together they raised three children: Mia, Jenny, and Ben.
After a few years of practice with a midsized law firm, Ron decided to form the law firm of “Davis, Matthews and Quigley” with Baxter Davis and Bill Matthews. Ron proudly worked for DMQ for the next 53 years until he became ill. In addition to practicing law, Ron occasionally pursued his passion for building homes. He embraced the challenge with the same fervor he practiced law – balancing design, construction, and marketing, and taking pride in crafting houses of lasting quality.
Ron loved and was proud of each of his three children and their spouses. – Mia South (Pete), Jennifer Mercer (Charlie) and Ben Quigley (Neely); and each of his eight grandchildren: Paul, Mark, and Peter South; Mia and Henry Mercer; Kate, Annie, and Benjamin Quigley.
In 2000, Ron met Kay Barker, and the two quickly discovered a perfect match. For 24 years they shared a deep and enduring love. Together, they were known for their philanthropy and elegance on the dance floor where they brought both energy and joy to every dance. If music was playing, Ron and Kay were sure to be there.
Ron’s life was defined not only by what he accomplished, but his love for Kay and by the spirit with which he lived. He had a quick, playful, but serious wit that kept everyone on their toes, and he could spin even the simplest event into a story people would retell for years. He loved a good debate just as much as a good laugh. Ron’s grit, leadership, generosity, and unforgettable humor left their mark on everyone who knew him. His larger-than-life personality will be remembered with as much affection as any of his achievements.
It was Ron’s wish to be cremated, and that his ashes be spread in a manner and location chosen by Kay and his children. A “celebration of his life” will be held at a later date to commemorate Ron’s life.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Ron, donations may be made to one of the following:
*Shepherd Center’s Military SHARE Initiative
Online: Give.Shepherd.org
By check: Payable to Shepherd Center Foundation, 2020 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30309
*Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in support of the Winship Cancer Fund for Prostate Cancer research
Online: https://together.emory.emory.edu/give
By check: Payable to Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and mail to Development Office, 1762 Clifton Road, Suite 2400, Atlanta, Ga 30322.
By phone: Office of Gift Accounting, 404-712-4483.