Ronald Buchanan “Ronnie” Nelson left this life April 4, 2017.
A bright light to all who knew him, he delighted in making people laugh and boasted he was “amazing.”
He was.
He helped friends and family by his service, through his encouragement and his love. He pursued any goal with fervor until the task was achieved: straight As, being the best asset to the high school marching band he could be, making it through basic training or beating family members at Scrabble.
Service was more than just a word for Ronnie.
Born April 28, 1990, he graduated from Clear Fork High School and enlisted in the Air National Guard. After training he graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Russian language studies and served at the 179th Airlift Wing in Security Forces.
He achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant and was most recently at Pensacola Naval Air Station where he was preparing to be a C130 navigator.
Ronnie was preceded in death by grandparents Buchanan James Nelson and Isabelle Garcia; and uncle James Nelson.
He leaves behind his mother, Rhonda (Shinabarker) Bletner, father, Ernest Nelson; sister, Megan Nelson, brother, Patrick Nelson, half-sister, Jody Nelson; grandmother, Ruthie Shinabarker, grandfather, Ron Shinabarker; aunts Rinda (Gary) Sansom, Amy (Larry) Smithhisler, Helen May, Phyllis Kennedy, Jeannie Garcia-Buechele, Jacque Garcia-Burnstad, Sherie Olivo, Llawana Nelson, and uncles Chris (Kelly) Shinabarker and Curt (Cindy) Shinabarker and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who loved him dearly.
His family will receive friends Wednesday, April 12, 2017 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home, where a funeral service celebrating Ronnie’s life will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. Celebrant Dave Roberts will lead the service.
Final interment will be in Bellville Cemetery. His unit, the 179th Airlift Wing, will provide military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Clear Fork Music Boosters, ℅ Clear Fork High School, 987 Ohio 97, Bellville, Ohio 44813, or made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve Ronnie’s family – share with them an “Amazing” Ronnie memory or simple message of sympathy – and watch Ronnie’s tribute video – online at: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituary/ronald-buchanan-ronnie-nelson/
