born in Pensacola, Florida on July 20, 1953. He grew up with two older
brothers, Glenn and Gordon, as well as his sisters, Delores and Paula.
Ronald lived in Pensacola his entire life up until sixteen years ago when he
moved to Elberta, Alabama.
Ronnie served in the United States Army beginning at the age of 17 during
the Vietnam War and “held the line in Texas” for the next 3 years.
In 1980, Ronnie devoted his heart to Jesus and met the love of his life,
Venetia (Tia) Yonke. They began dating in October of that same year and
married on August 7, 1982 at Open Bible Church in Pensacola, Florida. Tia’s mother would say that Ronnie, age 29, was old enough to marry, but Tia, age 21, was not. Of course, in time, Tia’s mom knew Ronnie was the perfect match for her. Ronnie gained brothers-in-law, Nick and Mike. Three years later, they had their first son, David Jonathan, and two years after that, Michael Thomas followed. Their sons were a joy to their hearts!
Ronnie was employed at Pensacola Naval Air Station in the Public Works
Department for almost 35 years. Shortly before retirement, Ronnie and Tia left their longtime home on Perdido Key and moved to Elberta.
The Lord brought David and Michael beautiful wives. David and Lindsley have been married for 13 years. They have 3 perfect children, Madison (Puddin’), Lucy (LuLu), Joel (Joel Man). Nothing pleased “Papou” more than having his grandchildren nearby! Ronnie and Tia were thrilled when Michael met the love of his life, Dianni. They have been married for 5 years. David and Michael desired to live close to their parents so they each built their own homes next door to Ronnie and Tia. The Morris compound became heaven on earth!!
Ronnie, Tia, and the boys attended Brownsville Assembly of God for 30
years, and for the past 5 years they made Freedom Church their home.
In 2014, at the age of 60, Ronnie went on his very first mission trip to Peru
with Reimagine. Ronnie immediately fell in love with the people of Santa
Rosita, just outside of Lima, and they soon became his “Peruvian family.”
Peru changed Ronnie forever. His love for Peru was so immense that it
captured the heart of the whole family. In 2015, Tia joined him on his next trip and one year later, David and Michael joined their parents’ journey. Peru
became Ronnie’s second home and he traveled there numerous times
throughout the years that followed.
Ronnie and Tia also fell in love and became very involved with Youth Reach
Gulf Coast and Frontline Ministries. They love these young men as their very own. Ronnie and Tia were blessed with the opportunity to tour Israel with members of Freedom Church and Together for Israel. Both were baptized in the Jordan River.
Ronnie was a very dedicated father and enjoyed the outdoors. He loved
watching and coaching his sons play soccer from an early age throughout
high school. Hunting deer and turkey was always on the top of the list.
Casting his net off the end of the pier and bringing up a net full of fresh mullet for dinner was a daily summer activity. Ronnie’s heart was always ready to jump in and join disaster relief trips to help families that were devastated by hurricanes and flooding. And finally, needless to say, watching Madison and Lucy play soccer was his most recent favorite pastime! He also longed to wrestle and play with Joel Man and search for the bacon in his pocket!! Ronnie loved everyone dearly ~ and was dearly loved by all.
In the last few years Ronnie’s health began to decline due to a respiratory
illness. Because of this, Ronnie and Tia decided to celebrate their 40th
wedding anniversary a few months early. So, in April, they gathered with
family and friends and had an awesome time celebrating with much love,
heartfelt tributes, worship, and of course a time of prayer.
On May 25th, Tia, the boys and their wives, as well as the grandchildren
spent the afternoon together with Ronnie. God gave them a truly amazing
day, full of laughter, story telling, hymn singing, and strolling down memory
lane. Ronnie prayed the most heart warming prayer that day as he blessed
each member of his family! It’s a time that will never be forgotten!
The following morning, May 26, 2022, with Tia snuggled closely by his side,
Ronnie fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (with his
eyes on the prize ~ Jesus.) Now there is laid up for him a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to him on that day and not only him, but also all that have longed for His appearing.
Visitation was held Tuesday, May 31, 2022 and the celebration service was held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, Pensacola, FL. Ronnie was laid to rest in Elberta, AL.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ronnie's memory may be made to Reimagine Worldwide, www.reimagineworldwide.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the Morris family.
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