Ronnie "Papa" Lee Bouknight

Ronnie Lee Bouknight, 73, of Terrell, Texas was received into the arms of Jesus while surrounded by his loving wife and daughters on February 25, 2022, after a short but courageous battle with Covid-19.

Ronnie was born on January 22, 1949, in Dallas, Texas to Charles E. and Bobbie Bouknight. He was raised in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Ronnie joined the Army in 1969 where he served his country and was awarded the National Defense Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Sharpshooter (M14). He took pride in his service to his country and held the utmost respect for all the men and women that serve or have served.

Ronnie married the love of his life, Deborah Jo Stephens, on November 18, 1972. Together they raised 3 daughters. He was blessed with 7 grandchildren.

After serving in the Army, Ronnie worked as an auto mechanic for 10 years at Sears and C&H Transmissions. He worked in Maintenance for 17 years at United Stationers, and he worked as Quality Control and Service Tech for 17 years at Herman Miller/WRG. Throughout his career he received numerous awards for his exceptional work ethic, customer service, and character. Ronnie retired in June of 2017.

Ronnie’s greatest love was his family. By loving his wife perfectly and unconditionally for 49 years, he set the standard high for what his daughters expected out of their husbands. He loved that his girls never stopped needing him. He took every opportunity to make his sons-in-law feel appreciated and loved. His grandkids were his pride and joy and all he ever talked about. With his loving nature he often unknowingly filled in the gaps for those that did not have a father figure in their life. Total strangers became his friends and friends became his family.

Ronnie’s greatest desire was to serve others. There wasn’t a single thing he wouldn’t do for someone else. He had a knack for identifying a need. If something you needed showed up anonymously, he was most likely responsible, but he would never admit to it. If he knew you, you have a story of how he helped you with something or did something that made you feel loved.

Ronnie lived his life by the greatest commandment in the Bible, Luke 10:27 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents Charles E. and Bobbie Bouknight and his nephew Nathan Bouknight.

Survivors: Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Debbie Bouknight; his 3 daughters and their husbands, Tammie and Ben Rowlett, Jamie and Joe Mancini, and Tracie and Derek Hinton; 7 grandchildren, Ashton, Tate, Ella, Sam, Bennett, Jacob, and Anna; his brothers Charles A. Bouknight (Beverly) and Steve Bouknight (Crystal); his sister, Helen Byrd; nieces, nephews, extended family, and a host of friends.

The family would like to thank their friends Mario and Leeann Gonzalez for their love, support, encouragement, and especially the numerous ways they have helped since Ronnie became ill. They would also like to thank the medical staff at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman. A special thank you to Kellie RN for the exceptional care, concern, and prayers for Ronnie. They would also like to thank the “A Team” of nurses, Anna, Alyssa, April, and Amy at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital for the kind and loving care and concern for Ronnie and his family.

A memorial service for Papa will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Pathway Church, 325 NW Renfro St., Burleson, TX 76028.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moorebowenroad.com for the Bouknight family.