It is with a heavy heart that I write this post, grappling with the sudden loss of a man who was not just a family member but a cornerstone of love and faith in our lives. Many of you know about my family through my stories about Oklahoma. Today, one of my cousins, whose presence was a blessing to us all (even when we wanted to choke him), passed away unexpectedly. His absence leaves an immeasurable void, but his memory and legacy will forever be etched in our hearts.
Though he entered our family as an in-law, you never would have known it. Ronnie embraced each of us with a warmth and affection that made him a true part of our family. His love transcended bloodlines, flowing freely and abundantly to everyone he encountered. His heart was enormous, and his love for his family was immeasurable.
He was a man of great passions. His love for reading and jigsaw puzzles reflected a mind that sought understanding and a heart that cherished the beauty in the details of life. Beyond his personal interests, he was a powerful evangelist, never hesitating to share his testimony and love of God with everyone. His words and actions touched countless lives, spreading hope and faith wherever he went.
Recently ordained as a Baptist preacher, his journey of faith was long and steadfast. Before his ordination, he was deeply involved in the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) and dedicated himself to prison ministry at Angola. His compassion and commitment to spreading the Gospel were evident in every aspect of his ministry. His faith was his guiding light, and he shared it generously with all who would listen.
Children held a special place in his heart. Every child he met became his grandchild, embraced and loved as his own. His nurturing spirit and genuine care made a lasting impact on many young lives, leaving behind a legacy of love and acceptance. He adopted every child he came into contact with, and they became his beloved grandchildren.
His relationship with his wife was a beacon of true love and partnership, a bond that many can only dream of. Their love was a blessing to witness, a testament to the power of mutual respect, affection, and faith. He was a cherished husband, a devoted father, and an adoring grandfather, leaving behind a family enriched by his presence and deeply grieved by his loss.
As I reflect on his life, I remember a man whose physical presence was as grand as his heart. He was a big guy, not just in stature but in the depth of his
love and the breadth of his impact. His legacy is one of unwavering faith, boundless love, and a commitment to serving others.
In the words of John 14:1-3 (NIV): "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
As we mourn his passing, we take comfort in the knowledge that he is now with God, in a place of peace and eternal joy. His faith, his love, and his example will continue to guide us. May we carry his legacy in our hearts and strive to live as he did, with kindness, generosity, and a deep commitment to God’s word.
My family has a tradition started by my great-grandparents. When someone is leaving after a family gathering at the home place, those who are still there come outside the gate and wave until the car is out of sight. The next time I go to our family home, there will be an empty space in the waving line. The only thing that will make that space bearable is knowing that he will be at the front of the line waving me home when I get to heaven.