Ronald was born to Manuel Henry & Lucy Franco Sylva on October 11, 1936, in Maui, Hawaii where he grew up. At 17, Ronald joined the US Army and after a distinguished career spanning over 20 years; he retired Sargent First Class. His service to his country included two deployments in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals, including the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters. Ronald was faithful to the Lord and loved his church family. Some of his favorite memories were playing his Ukulele while singing for the Lord. Ronald loved his family dearly and relished the days when his children, grand and great grandchildren would come and spend time with him.
He was preceded in death by Dorothy Amanda Hyatt, his wife of 58 years, whom he loved and missed dearly since her recent passing.
He leaves to cherish his memories two devoted daughters, Barbara (Benny) Copeland of Semmes and Tina Young of Citronelle; one son, Ricky Silva of Mobile; six grandchildren, Felisha (Lauren) Martin of Citronelle, Christine (Kent) Ball of Mobile, Benny (Sara) Copeland, Jr of Chunchula, Michael (Lori Beth) Coulter of Daphne, Jonathan (Simone) Coulter of Vinegar Bend, Rebecca (David) Coulter of Chunchula; sixteen great-grandchildren, Tyler Copeland, Parker Martin, Preston Martin, Asher Ball, Piper Ball, Cayde Robbins Copeland, Brantley Pouyadou, Arabella Pouyadou, Rylen Pouyadou, Amari Rae Coulter, Nico Jay Coulter, Ashton Dees, Bryson Dees, Lorelai Coulter, Scottlyn Coulter, Knoxton Coulter; Sisters, Germaine A. Tavares, Carmen J. Souza and Claire J. Vega; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Special thanks to the staff of Southern Care with an extra special appreciation to Nurse Lea for being a part of our family during this past year and taking such great care of both our parents, Ronald & Dorothy, during their last season of life.
Pallbearers will be his Grandsons, Benny Copeland, Jr., Lauren Martin, Kent Ball, Jonathan Coulter, Michael Coulter, and David Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be his devoted friends; Richard Sweatt, John Gurganus, Daniel Anderson, Tommy McConnell, Sr, Dusty Rhodes.
Visitation will be held on September 1, 2023, from 9AM to 10AM at Living Hope Church in Saraland, AL, immediately followed by services at 10AM. Interment will be held in Valhalla Memorial Gardens, in Eight Mile, AL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Living Hope Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.RadneyFuneralHome-Saraland.com for the Silva family.
