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Ronald “Ronnie” Gene Barnes was born in Clinton, Indiana, on October 14, 1948. He passed away peacefully on March 25, 2024, after a very sudden decline in his health. Ron was only 75 years of age.
He grew up in Rockville, Indiana, on a farm with his Mom, Vesta, his Dad, Perle, and four brothers. As a teen, he was always into mischief. He loved spending his time on the farm, working on tractors, tending to the animals, and hitting rocks against the barn, where he developed his love and passion for baseball.
Ron graduated from Rockville High School, class of 1966, and went on to Indiana State, where he was a Theta Chi and earned his degree in finance.
In 1973, Ron married the love of his life, Linda Raming. Together, they moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1975, raising two children, Jeff and Lindsey, in a home filled with love and laughter. Ron was committed to his family and actively involved in their lives, whether coaching Little League baseball, attending his children's sporting events, or teaching them the value of hard work and perseverance. His wife, Linda, was his partner in every sense, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.
Dedicated to his community, Ron was an avid Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce member. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Ron. He loved sports and music; he was a talented drummer in his early years, which led him to join a rock band. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and woodworker. He loved getting his hands dirty when gardening or working on cars and loved spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for his family.
Ron, fondly known as Poppy doted on his granddaughter, Lola. He especially loved teaching Lola his woodworking skills, picking vegetables with her in his garden, or just being silly while participating in her antics, like the chicken dance. He was so proud of her, always cheering her on at all her soccer games, dance recitals, and just life.
Ron was indeed a legend in his life. He was strong, kind, gentle, loyal, giving, funny, supportive, a great storyteller, and extremely stubborn. His family was everything to him. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather to his adoring family. He will be greatly missed by those he loved and those who loved him. A private family service will be held at Arlington Memorial Park. To honor his memory, donations can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a cause he was passionate about.
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Judi Hays (Bleicher) (1966)
So sorry to hear about Ronnie's death. He will be missed by his family and friends. Another hard loss for the class of 66. You will be missed, Ronnnie! Prayers are with you and your family. 🙏🏻
Connie Beach (Maltin) (1966)
So sorry to hear of the passing of Ron Barnes. Our parents were good friends, and I remember his fun personality. Condolences to his family, may his memory be a blessing.
Connie Beach Maltin
Billy Gene Hill 66 (1966)
Ron and I met in 1954 in the first grade at Bridgeton. We were Theta Chi fraternity brothers at ISU. Ron and I remained friends for 70 years. And as written in last line of The Fisherman's Prayer "surely God will judge Ronnie big enough to keep." Bill Hill
Debby Spencer (McKinney) (1967)
Ron was a great guy. I have a picture of us at the fair, don't know the date. He was a great guy and so much fun to be with. I hated hearing this news. Rest In Peace, Ronnie.
Gail McFaddin (1966)
I am just devastated at the loss of Ron. What a wonderful and loving man, father and grandfather. We kept tabs on each other through facebook, where we had a lot of laughs and sparring. I always felt he was close even though many years separated us. He is truly one of the best men I have known in my lifetime. May his family know that Ron was loved by everyone who grew up with him.
Linda McKinney (Green) (1966)
This is really sad to hear. If I think of Ron I think of fun...he caused a lot of laughter when he was around. I'll miss his political cartoons and his positive outlook on life. So glad Ron was a classmate and friend. He'll be so missed by so many.
Carolyn Plummer (Weatherman) (1966)
When Duncan called to tell me the news of Ron's passing, I felt that we had all lost a close friend. I hope Ron enjoyed life as much as we thought he did. Ron always had a quip ready. I can remember him from high school like he was always ready to have fun. Ron was really a surprise to his family with those four much older brothers. Can you imagine having a child like Ron late in life? His parents had to have a sense of humor. He always looked so happy in his pictures down there in Georgia with his wife, daughter, and his treasured granddaughter. I hope Ron enjoyed life as much as we think he did. The world has lost a bright light. Ron, may you Rest In Peace.
Alice Allbright (King) (1966)
Like Billy Hill, Ron was part of my life from the First Grade at Bridgeton. There were four of us who made it all through school together. Ron, Billy, Mary Alice Akers Gree and me. Ron's family and mine were close also. Yes, Ron was a surprise baby. My mother dated one oh his older brothers in high school. Ron was always the kid with the baseball hat and ball glove in elementary scool. Since my name was Allbright, he called me Ally Half-dark. Always a jokester. Ron was fun. He never found a subject that he couldn't joke about. Ron never lost his smile. I hope they appreciate his sense of humor in Heaven.
Sherry Branham (Hicks) (1966)
So sorry to hear about Ronnie. I have a lot of fond memories of him.
Duncan Snowden (1966)
So sorry to hear about Ron's passing. I know he will be missed by all his many friends and family.
Ron and I were "running buddies" our Julnior and Senior years.
I remember Ron had a White Ford Falcon with a red interior...very sharp! We put some miles on that car durring our many adventures.
Senior year we were both on the track team, throwing the shot put. Ron brought one of the shots home with him to use for practice. All that weekend, every time Ron went around a corner, that 12 pound metal ball would roll from one side of his trunk to the other.
For some reason, Ron convinced me that he had eleven brothers...and for some reason I believed him. Until I read the comments of other classmates here I still believed him.
Ron was a sharp dresser. I could always count on him to be up to date on the latest styles.
So long old buddy; you will be missed.