RONALD VEAL

Ronald was born November 20th,1950 in Jefferson, TX (Marion County), to the parentage of Harry Veal and Jimmie Lee Sanders.  Ronald began his early education in the Jefferson School District.  Around the age of 8, Ronald moved with his mother to Ft. Worth, TX, where he continued his education in the Fort Worth Independent School District.  Ronald showed an early interest in Christ, so at the age of 10, he united with the Fellowship Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor D. Evans.  Ronald continued to serve and grow in the church for many years.  It was at this church that he would meet his eventual wife and love of his life Lurlean (Franklin) Veal.  Ronald continued his secondary education attending the historic I.M. Terrell High School, and later graduating from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in the class of 69’.  Immediately after graduation, Ronald began working different jobs in warehouses and as a forklift operator.  In September 1970, Ronald felt compelled to serve his country, and did so by joining the U.S. Marine Corp.  He served for 3 years, earning multiple badges including a Medal of Good Conduct before he was honorably discharged.  In February of 1971, after completing basic training in San Diego, CA., Ronald was given his first leave.  He would take advantage of this time to go home to Ft. Worth and marry his sweetheart, Lurlean. This union thrived for almost 50 years! In December of 1975, the couple would be blessed with their first-born child, LaRhonda Carlette Veal. In October of 1980, their family welcomed the addition of Ronald Carl Veal Jr.

“Ronnie” and “Pee-Wee” would both continue to attend and raise their family in Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, where he would later serve in various roles including working on the finance committee, driving the church van, singing with the male chorus, a security guard when needed, he also assisted with teaching brotherhood on occasion, and last but not least he served as an ordained deacon of the church.

Ronnie was currently a member of Triumphant Missionary Baptist Church, serving as an Asst. Superintendent, Deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and most importantly one of the senior founders of the church under the leadership of Pastor Kenneth D. Hamilton. Ronnie gladly opened his home for the organization of this church, and will always be remembered for being an OVERWHELMING ENCOURAGER to his church family, with words like… “This church can make it if we just pray, trust GOD, and stick together.  Some of us know this because we have witnessed it happen before!”

Ronald Veal Sr. will always be remembered as a role model and a fervent father figure for so many young people that crossed his path.  He always kept his heart and his doors open not just for family. From the young men he coached in pee-wee football over the years, down to the young adults that he mentored and supported in the Christian ministry.  Whether he was coaching or counseling, you always knew it was the truth, and coming from a place of real love and concern.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents: Hubert and Jimmie Lee Willis, and his granddaughter: Ronica Carlise Veal.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his life-long love: Lurlean; children: Rhonda and Ron Jr.; brothers: Sam Ervin and Eddie Veal Sr.; grandchildren that he loved dearly: Lauren, Makalyn, Sariah, Rayna, Serenity, Roniah; his god-children: Pastor Darrell Blair and Lorenda King; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and family.