Ron was born in San Benito, Texas on October 13, 1933. He graduated from Harlingen High School and then attended the University of Houston on a track scholarship. He joined Sigma Chi fraternity and not long after met the love of his life, Gail Williams. While attending U of H, Ron joined the Navy. He served on the USS Lexington and the USS Wren, ending his 6 years of service in the Reserves.
Ron married Gail on April 11, 1959. They were members of Alief Community Church for over 30 years; raising their four children: Leslie, Katie, Cyndi and Ronnie Jr, in the church. Ron led the youth group at Alief Community Church and then started the first Young Life group in Alief in 1967; which he led for 26 years. He was a Boy Scout leader, a Red Cross volunteer, a charter member of the Alief Lions Club, and a past president and member of the Houston Coating Society. Ron began his career in the Industrial Paint & Blast Equipment Industry and was the proud owner of Air Tech Spray Systems along with two partners. Air Tech was an industry leader for over 35 years. He also loved Great Danes and was a member of the Great Dane Club for many years. He had 15 of them over his lifetime. Ron loved people and making them laugh. He was always cracking jokes! He cherished his family and supported them in every possible way. He left this earth with quite a legacy - 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Most importantly Ron loved God and served faithfully.
Ron was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gail Cradit; his father, Leslie Dale Cradit; his mother, Edith Cradit; his brother, James Cradit. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Cradit; his brother, Errol Cradit; and his children: Leslie Fries (Mark), Katie Brown (Todd), Cyndi Willborg (Steve) and Ronnie Cradit Jr. (Lisa); along with his 12 grandchildren: Brittany (Ryan), Jacob, Corey (Deidre), Sarah (MD), Joshua (Demi), Elizabeth (Jeff), Kayla, Rachel, Miranda, Garrett, Meredith, and Gunnar and 17 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 6:00 pm at River Pointe Church, 21000 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, Texas 77469. A private graveside service will take place earlier in the day at Forest Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make donations to Young Life - giving.younglife.org in his honor. For further information: Forest Park Cemetery – Westheimer.
