Ranald "Ronny" Stewart Jr.

Born in Wilmington, N.C. on August 13, 1937, Ronny moved with his parents, Ranald Sr. and Thelma Snipes Stewart, to South Tampa in 1948. He attended Wilson Middle School, Plant High School, and the University of Florida, where he was a proud member of Sigma Nu and earned his B.S. degree in 1960.

Ronny was involved in telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, restaurants, and real estate development, his main focus. He co-founded Zons Development, which included projects across Florida specializing in multi-family, office, commercial, and mixed-use properties. He also founded 717 South Restaurant in South Tampa.

Ronny was a member of the Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, South Tampa Fellowship Church, a founding member and director of the Tampa Bay Sports Club, and a past member of the Merry Makers Club. He faithfully attended a men’s Bible study, cherishing the friendships and fellowship he found there. In the 1990s, Ronny had the privilege of heading up the Tampa Bay Jesus Video Project, part of a nationwide Campus Crusade for Christ initiative that shared the JESUS film with millions.

Of the many causes dear to him, Ronny strongly supported the Suncoast Haven of Rest Rescue Mission in St. Petersburg. He admired how the Mission fed thousands each month while meeting both physical and spiritual needs with compassion and integrity.

His passions were faith, family, and business — and he managed to weave them together into a life that was truly a masterpiece.

Ronny is survived by his loving wife, Kit; his children Ranald III (Sandy), David (Kerri), Chris (Melanie), Michael (Lindsay), and Michelle (Dave) Beshears; stepchildren Lauren and John Thompson; his granddaughter Millie Thompson; grandchildren Stewart, Alec, Ramsey, and Sara Kate Beshears; Ava and Landon Stewart; Samantha Stewart; Austen and AJ Stewart; Mandy Stewart Dubin; Meredith Stewart Davis; and Laura Stewart Schultz; his step-grandchildren Stephen and Michael Thompson Mushahwar; and his great-grandchildren Brooklyn and Levi Dubin, and Emma Davis.

A Visitation will be held on September 24 from 5–7:30 p.m. at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Avenue. A Celebration of Life service will follow on September 25 at 1:00 pm at South Tampa Fellowship, 5101 Bayshore Blvd., with Pastor JJ Johnson officiating. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ronny’s remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to your favorite charity or to Suncoast Haven of Rest Rescue Mission, 1763 9th Avenue N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713.

The family thanks Hospice for their loving and kind support during Ronny’s final hours.