Ronnie Wilson

Ronald Welton Wilson, known affectionately as Ronnie or Papa Ronnie, passed away on May 17, 2024, in Cleveland, TX. Born on October 31, 1943, to Clyde and Anne Wilson, Ronnie was a 47-year resident of Cleveland and a pillar of the community he so dearly loved.

Ronnie was a graduate of Carrizo Springs High School, class of 1961, and went on to pursue his passion for civil service by joining the Navy as a navigator. He played a pivotal role in the Cuban blockade during his time with the service.

On July 29, 1971, Ronnie married his beloved wife, Barbara Alsobrooks in a beautiful small ceremony in Oklahoma. Altogether, they have five children: Micheal Wilson (deceased), Ronnie Riley, Christel Green, Wayne Wilson, and Chip Wilson. Ronnie was a devoted father and grandfather, known for coaching his children’s sports teams and his presence at his grandchildren's events. He is also known for those memorable hunting trips while his deer camp tamales were the stuff of family legend.

Ronnie lived for his family and very much enjoyed his hobbies. He was an avid hunter, coach, an umpire, fisherman, bus driver and a terrible domino and card player. His passion for helping others rang true through his time as an umpire and while he was a bus driver always having candy for any kid that behaved.

Sadly, Ronnie was predeceased by his parents as well as two of his brothers, Paul (wife Ann), and Eddie (wife Janice), son Michael and his great-grandson, Landon Cook. His memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family: his wife Barbara; his children, Ronnie (wife Sarah), Christel (husband Shane), Wayne (wife Tracy), and Chip; his grandchildren, Haley (fiancé Trent Aucion), Felisha, Aaron (wife Ariel), Jeff (wife Emily), Bryan (fiancé Keili Schultz), Ashley, Lauren, Madison (fiancé Ryne Frieson), Kadi (fiancé Andre Oliver), Kaci, Lauren K., Garrett, Kali and Emilie; his siblings Suzanne Sample (husband Sonnie) and Cecil Wilson; along with many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

 A service to celebrate Ronnie's life will be held on June 1, 2024, at 12:00pm at the Pace Stancil Funeral Home, located at 303 E. Crockett, Cleveland, Texas. The family has designated Tim Reid, Ronnie Riley, Shane Green, Jerry Alsobrooks Jr., Wayne Wilson, Chip Wilson, Trent Aucion, and Bryan Wilson as honorary pallbearers to accompany Ronnie on his final journey. Speakers at the service will include Pastor Derral Shelton, his great granddaughter Khloe Dean, and his sons Ronnie Riley, Wayne, and Chip Wilson.‍

Ronald Welton Wilson will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His legacy will live on in the jokes, memories, and experiences he left with all of those he has touched over the years.