Ronnie was born on November 22, 1934 in Memphis, TN. In 1950 at the age of 16, he joined the United States Air Force, serving in the Philippines and Guam during the Korean War. He proudly served for 11 years before returning to Memphis where his drive and entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate many successful businesses including carpet cleaning, painting, and real estate. In addition, Ronnie served as a firefighter for the Memphis Fire Department where he retired as Captain after 30 years of service. He was a true jack of all trades who never shied away from hard work.
Full of wanderlust from his years abroad, he traveled much of the United States by RV, eventually fulfilling his lifelong dream to travel to Alaska where he spent 65 days with his family in 1994. Ronnie never met a stranger and made friends all along the way, his gregarious nature and good humor leaving a lasting impression on all he encountered.
He is preceded in death by his parents Margaret Lonquist and Ronald Posey Sr, sister Teresa Sandidge, sister Virginia Lunsford, brother Joe Posey, son-in-law Rick Smith, and daughter-in-law Sandra Watson-Posey.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Posey, his self-professed soulmate, whom he married in 1980 and had 43 wonderful years with. He is also survived by his children Ronald Posey III (Lisa), Leslie Smith, John Posey (Joni), Lynn Elkin, Robert Posey, Lisa Basinger, Joanna Posey (Josh Gilchrist), Alan Posey (Chelsea Logan), 11 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his siblings Ramona Petkoff, Margaret Fioranelli, Rose Matthews (Bob), Robert Posey, and Pat Posey.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ronnie’s life on Thursday, May 25th at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Pkwy / Bartlett, TN 38133, where a visitation will be held from 2:00–3:00, followed by the service from 3:00–4:00, and concluding with a reception at 4:00. He will be laid to rest at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill-Irene Road / Memphis, TN 38125, on May 26th. Friends and family are advised to arrive no later than 9:45. Services will begin promptly by 10:00.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Posey family.
