Ronald Lee Chaffin Sr. (77) better known as “Smiley” to his friends, passed away on February 27, 2016 following a brief illness, at the age of 77. Ron was born in Fresno, California to Arthur Chaffin Sr. and Mabel Fuller Chaffin. Ron was an active member of the Madera Community, he was a member of the Madera Elks Lodge #1918, the Pan-American Club, an honorary member of Madera V.F.W. Post 1981, and was a member of the Madera Clutchers Car Club.
Ron supported numerous Madera Unified School Sports and school activities. He was a booster of the Madera Little League, The FFA and many other local clubs. His Leisure time involved “Non Winged Sprint Cars”. He won 15 Non-winged Sprint Car Championships in the “Little Red Sucker” Car #50, winning 125+ main events. Ron was also a Race Horse Enthusiast and owner.
In addition to his parents Ron was preceded in death by his brother Arthur Frank Chaffin Jr. Ron is survived by his partner Frankie Phelan. She and Ron were companions for 36 years. He is the father of Cindy Chaffin of Fresno , Ron Chaffin Jr. and his wife Mary of Madera and James Chaffin and his wife Stacy of Fresno and . Ron is the beloved grandfather of Michelle Malewski, Jordan Chaffin, Shari Chaffin, Shiloh Chaffin, Niko Chaffin, Kati Chaffin, and Micah Chaffin and the great-grandfather of Emilia Burns.
A Cryptside Service with Veteran Honors provided by Madera V.F.W. Post 1981 will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 10 AM at the Arbor Vitae Cemetery Mausoleum, Madera, CA.
Ron’s family has suggested remembrances be made to: Madera V.F.W. Post #1981, 2026 N. Granada Avenue, Madera, CA. 93637, The American Cancer Society, 2222 West Shaw Avenue, suite 201, Fresno, CA, 93711 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS.
