Ronnie Oneal Horton Sr.

Ronnie O’Neal Horton Sr. was born February 23, 1952, at Hugh Spaulding Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia to the Late Hattie Horton-Crawford. At the tender age of 3 Ronnie’s mother decided to allow his Grandparents, Henry and Pearl Horton who resided in Union Point, Georgia to nurture him. When he turned 8 years old his mother and stepfather, Nathaniel Crawford moved him back to their home in Atlanta. Ronnie attended C.D. Hubert Elementary School and then matriculated to Murphy High School where he was a member of the School Choir and graduated in the year of 1970. After graduation with the desire to broaden his horizons and gain a disciplined work ethic he enlisted in the United States Army where he served for three years. While on a brief leave at home before leaving out on his next assignment to Sol Korea he met and was smitten by his now Beloved wife Sheryl. They fell in love and because the army would not allow her to travel with him on his assignment to Sol, he decided not to re-enlist. Ronnie and Sheryl were united in Matrimony, October 29, 1977. From this union they were blessed with two sons, Ronnie Jr. and Ricardo. A young husband and father, he set out to provide for his family by gaining employment at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Decatur, Georgia. After five years he transferred to the Tucker Postal Office. During his tenure there he developed problems with his kidneys and had to be placed on Dialysis which eventually caused him to retire on disability. Ronnie was a true Soldier not only during his military career, but as a human being. His dialysis treatments lasted for nine years and was on the Kidney transplant list. Then by the grace of God he received the miraculous phone call stating the hospital had found a match for him. With his devoted wife beside him the transplant was performed, and the surgery was a success. So grateful for this blessing he became more health conscious and protective of his kidney. Ronnie was a courageous and kind friend to all who knew him. He was always willing to offer a positive word or a listening ear. He would flash that smile and look at you with those big eyes and give you a hug that would warm your heart. He was lovingly called, “Uncle Ronnie”, and “Antique” because he has been an intricate part of the Neely Family for 47 years. Ronnie was passionate about Football and Baseball; he even coached his sons when they were young. His entertainment was watching Professional Wrestling and African Movies. But his most treasured and undeniable love was his devotion to his wife. Those two were like “two peas in a pod”, when you saw one, you saw the other. Unconditionally he loved his sons and grandsons. Ronnie was baptized in the Baptist Church and his wife and sons were members of the Catholic Church. He would always say “I was raised a Baptist, and I am going to stay a Baptist until I die”. As the years passed, he started attending Mass with his family more regularly. One Sunday after Mass, Ronnie shared with Sheryl he felt like it was time to become Catholic. After meeting with Father John (Pastor at that time) and revealing the same sentiment to him, he was instructed to start and complete his RCIA classes and then he received Confirmation 2011. Ronnie and Sheryl had a Vow Renewal Ceremony for their 25th year anniversary. Ronnie was not just a member he was a Servant, using his gifts and talents in several ministries, such as Eucharistic Minister, Usher, Head Cook for Food Ministry and assisted when needed as an Alter Server. One prestigious accomplishment for him was his induction into “The Knights of Peter Claver”- Council 300. Sir Knight Ronnie O’Neal Horton, Sr. advanced to 4th Degree. Ronnie O’Neal Horton, Sr. will truly be missed. Survived by his devoted wife Sheryl Horton, his sons, Ronnie O’Neal Horton, Jr., and Ricardo O’Neal Horton. His grandsons, Ronnie O’Neal Horton III, Donovan O’Neal Horton, Ace O’Neal Horton and Zane O’neal Horton who preceded him in death, brother, Anthony Buchanan, special cousin, Barbara Jean Grier, a host of Relatives and Friends.

Tributes

Ronnie Oneal Horton Sr.

February 23, 1952 - November 20, 2023