Ronald J. Barras

Ronald “Ronnie” Joseph Barras went to Heaven on Thursday, November 29, 2024. He was a very kind man who loved people. Ronnie courageously battled Parkinson’s Disease; he passed away at his home in Slidell, Louisiana.

Ronnie is survived by his loving daughters, Gina B. Holland, PhD (Gerald/Glenn), Annette B. Serpas (Joseph), and Darlene Barras, his grandson, Brandon J. Serpas, as well as many cousins, and loving friends. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Myrtle Catherine Bourquard Barras, and his parents, Sanders “Chic” J. Barras and Inez Frances Marshall Barras.

Ronnie was born on July 15, 1939, in Mobile, Alabama, to Sanders “Chic” J. Barras and Inez Frances Marshall Barras. As a child, Ronnie lived in Groton, Connecticut, while his father was serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. Ronnie and his parents later moved to Louisiana – and it was in New Orleans that Ronnie met the love of his life, Myrtle, on a blind date.

Ronnie was a graduate of Chalmette High School, class of 1957. He retired from the St. Bernard Parish Government, where he was the electrical inspector. He also owned several businesses over the years: Barras Builders, Inc., Ronnie’s Electric, and Delta Electric, which operated successfully for many years, partly due to the dedication of their loyal employee, Gary Okronglis, whose commitment is much appreciated. Ronnie proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1957-1961 and then became the manager of King Finance Company in Arabi, LA.

Ronnie was a man of great faith who was active in many area churches over the years, including the Assembly of God Tabernacle, which he poured his heart and soul into, using his contractor skills to proudly help build a larger building to accommodate the growing congregation. (That church is now The Tabernacle Church).

Ronnie loved his sons-in-law, “Glenn” Holland and Joseph Serpas, who helped him with many things over the years – from home maintenance to physical care, or whatever “Dad” needed.

Ronnie’s family will miss his “Dad Jokes,” his Godly wisdom, and his FESTIVE sense of fashion. His family is grateful that his horrible suffering is over; they were not ready to let him go, but it was time for him to reunite with his “bride."

The Barras family would like to express their extreme gratitude to Ronnie’s caregiver, Trena Sand, who was at his side for 2 ½ years, providing exceptional loving care - and she and her husband, William “Bill” Sand, were with him as he took his last breath. It was a true blessing to have a Christian woman, who is also a long-time family friend care for our Dad.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Ronald on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA 70043, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. Ronnie will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.