Ron, It's been few years since you passed. And I just want to say how much you are missed as my big brother. You did well, and we had some great times for sure.  I definitely miss your candid logic, sage advice, and deadpan sense of humor. I'll never forget your consoling when Mom passed when I was but 15, and the philosphy of it all when Dad also left us years later.  You're super! Thanks.

Our hearts and prayers are with Ron's family. Ron was one of the best and a true friend through High School and provided many great memories.
Bob and Carol Silsby

Dearest Tiffany,  Please accept my sympathy, my thoughts and prayers
will be with you.
Carol Cotton

Our hearts and prayers are with Ron and his beautiful immediate and extended family.  Ron had a great sense of humor and such a special caring and kind way especially with animals. I will always remember him playing with my dog, laughing and smiling. I trust he is doing the same in heaven.

To Tiffany and the family it is with the  deepest sadness that I'm filled with today with the passing of your father Mr. VanCleave.  I send to you the comfort of angels as we know God has never failed us.  He will be missed and I extend to the family prayers of love and comfort.  
Mrs. Luetheal Byrd- Young and Family

Uncle Ron, I remember when you first moved here.  We were always at your house or our house.  Cadi was always playing Barbie's with Courtney. I also remember the many times we went swimming over at your apartment...it was like every Sunday! We would all gather over there to eat and swim. Thank you for such great memories. You will always be remembered and appreciated.

Sunday, August 3,2014

Ronnie was my little brother, by about 9 years.  With just sisters at the time,  I was happy to finally have a brother.  He served me well early on... otherwise I wouln't have had a clue about changing, rinsing, and folding countless diapers when our first son, Russ, was born.  As he got older, I realized we had a lot in common... my model planes, my Lionel train, my baseball cards, and my Boy Scout stuff.

I was especially proud of Ronnie's service to our country.  Do you know he could keep secrets... he listened in on Soviet communications, and most certainly never shared what he knew with his two Air Force brothers... who didn't have "a need to know".  More importantly, he excelled as an instructor of Professional Military Education for up-and-coming younger NCOs.  So, he knew not only the history and traditions of the Air Force, he also knew and internalized things like integrity first, service before self, excellence in all we do, and 'service' leadership.  So, such things are his legacy that will see us all through the challenges that life and God place before us... which also leave Paula and his daughters with living directions and memories they will always value and cherish.

Paula and Ron, I will always remember when you all helped me with one of my moves and Ron flat on his back on the floor, under the ceiling fan. He said the next time I moved he was going to back a truck up to the window and just throw my things out to the truck (I always lived on the second floor), I still laugh and tell people about him. Ron,You and Paula let me stay at your place and your Daughters let me stay in their room after a bad car accident. You all are very special people in my heart. I Love You All, God's Love For God's People. God rest your soul Ron. Love Emily & Steven Bell

When I was in college and still fairly new to the Tampa area, Uncle Ronnie gave me an old Decca nylon string acoustic guitar that he said my Grandmother gave to him.  I've picked on that thing so much over the years.  In all that time, I've never been able to play it without thinking about how nice it was of him to just give me this guitar!  Uncle Ronnie was always like that to me though.  He struck me as such a nice, kind sort of person.  He was a deep thinker too.  I heard a lot of wise words from Uncle Ronnie over the years and I'm going to miss him dearly.

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Ron at HSBC When I started back in 2008. He would sit and listen to our calls and provide feed back.  Even on my worst call Ron always found the positive behind it. He was a an amazing co-worker & friend.  May God provide his family comfort in this difficult time. You all are in my prayers God bless

Many, many years ago, we lived across the street from Ron and Paula when they were stationed at March AFB in California. We lived in base housing at the time.  Our kids were pretty close in age, so I'm sure that's how our friendship began. The one thing that stands out in my mind about Ron was Halloween! Ron made these great dummies that he placed in the front yard and on the porch and rigged up his sound system to them. When the kids came up to the walkway (it was a long walkway), he would make all these scary sounds! Poor kids! Only the older kids went up to get their candy after getting frightened! The  little ones usually had to be carried!! RIP Ron.

Paula and family I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest in peace Ron.

Tiffany and Courtney, 

I pray for peace to you and yours during this difficult time.  I am certain he was proud of his "girls."

A big hug,

Arnie MejÃ­as
@USF

Ron, I remember well the many great, teaching moments we had growing upâ€”you teaching me how to play football, wax the car, and build plastic models.  I'm sorry I broke the wheels off of your cars--I thought the cars were supposed to actually roll across the dresser and I didn't know you glued the wheels on tight.  I remember your sage advice about being a good officer as I was just entering the Air Force.  I tried to always heed that advice (i.e., let the non-commissioned officers and airmen do their jobs--give them top cover and support but let them do what they know how to do).  It helped me a lot for the next 23 years, both in the cockpit and in the officeâ€”and still helps me today.  When we lost Mom and later, Dad, I also remember the words of wisdom and support you provided to me during those times.  They gave me strength and taught me the value of occasional solitude, particularly in a dangerous and different world when the Middle East came front and center from 1990 on.  Thanks again for the great hospitality you, Paula, Tiff, and Court always showed when I was back in town on the many short trips through Tampa.  It was always good to catch up on things, and very clear to me how justifiably proud you are of your family.  You and Paula raised your girls well, for sure.  Most recently, I remember the blast Karen and I had with you all at the Rays game and the REO Speedwagon concert that followed.  Great times, indeed.  You will definitely be missed by all.

I will miss my brother.  He was the one who made the twice baked potatoes for our family as well.  There are many funny stories that I remember about Ron.

Ron, I remember the first Easter i ate at your home,  I remember seeing you sitting in your chair masterfully making your famous twice baked potatoes.  Those are the best and I will carry that tradition on.  You will be missed.

Love  your son in law Paul

I remember all the fun we had during  junior high and at King. You were a friend and we will miss you.

Ronald was a very dear friend of mine. I had the pleasure of working with him for over five years at HSBC. Of all of the employees I ever had Ron was one of a few I would call a friend. We had many a conversation about life, customer service(LOL) and family. He always referenced his wife and daughters with a gleam in his eye and was just a stand up guy all around. He was one of the most creative people I have ever met and always had an idea for a gimmick to keep his fellow employees engaged. Sadly we parted ways due to a layoff and I regret not keeping in touch with him. Very sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts go out to his family. God bless you big guy! We will get together one day to have that slushie I promised you. Sincerely, Michael

OBITUARY

Ronald Ray Van Cleave

9 August, 1955 – 24 July, 2014

Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Terrace Oaks Chapel

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