Memorial services for Ronald Merritt “Ronnie” Robinson of Lufkin, will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 1611 Feagin Drive in Lufkin, with Father Joe Kannampuzha and Stephen Courtney officiating.
Ronnie was born March 2, 1949 in Garland, Texas to the late Merritt Barnaby and LaVerne (Foster) Robinson and passed September 9, 2023 at the age of 74.
Ronnie received his Bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin and was a proud member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Ronnie started his career with Roadway Express Freight Lines in Houston and was transferred to Lufkin in 1976. In 1984 Dunagan Warehouse opened and he became the President/General Manager. He retired after 30 years in 2016. Ronnie was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, and a cherished friend to many.
He was on the Chamber Board and headed up the first committee for Law Enforcement Appreciation and then became the 2000 Chamber of Commerce Chairman. His Chamber slogan was “Good People Doing Good Things For Others”. He joined the Rotary Club in 1979 and served as president. He served as co-chairman for years on its Waffle Bake. Ronnie worked many times at the Lufkin Zoo and was chairman of the Top 40 Banquet. He always rang the bell for the Salvation Army. He was on the United Way board for many years, also served on the Lufkin Planning and Zoning Commission for 31 years and was chairman when he retired. He was on the Economic Development Partnership Board, served on the Junior Achievement Board and was a Leadership Tomorrow Consultant. He enjoyed being a coach to his daughters softball teams and took them to the World Series. He was very proud that he was an Eagle Scout and served on the Eagle Board of Review. He was a founding member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church for 23 years where he was chairman of the building committee, an usher, and member of the cook team. Ronnie most enjoyed cooking for several organizations and fundraisers throughout the years. He loved volunteering at the Angelina Art Alliance. Ronnie received the Angelia County Chamber of Commerce Silver Spike Award for “Community Service." He was inducted into the Rotary Roll of Fame, and was the recipient of the Rotary Club Paul Harris Award.
Ronnie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Bobbi of Lufkin; daughter and son-in-law, Drs. Kelly and Zane Kemp of Weatherford, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Kathryn and Marty Hensley of Lufkin; grandchildren, Kannon, Kinley, and Kyler Kemp, Carter and Kaitlyn Williams, Trey and Reid Hensley; sister and brother-in-law, Gwen and Tommy Orsborn, brother-in-law, Rick Riassetto, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary and Henry Thomas; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Terri and Rudy Wernli; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Vicki and Mark Honeycutt; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Robbie and Laverne Robinson.
Honorary pallbearers are Hugh Anderson, Jack Gabriel, Roy Guse, Buddy Hawkins, Tim Healy, Wendall Matchett, and Tom Paxson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church Building Fund, 1611 Feagin Drive, Lufkin, TX 75904 or to Commercial Bank of Texas for the Ronnie Robinson Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1517 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.
The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 15th, at St. Andrew Catholic Parish Hall, 1611 Feagin Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904.
Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.
