Ronnie was born on March 27, 1955, to Alfred and Ruby Lucas in the quaint and tight‑knit farming community of Hale Center, Texas.
As a young boy, Ronnie’s family relocated to Pottsville, Texas, where they acquired a small farm. He would later graduate from high school, there.
Ronnie (Stretch) spent his early years helping his parents on the farm—sowing and harvesting crops, tending to livestock, and servicing agricultural equipment—alongside his older brother, Alton. In his spare time, he enjoyed riding around town on the small gas scooter he and his brother shared, fishing in local ponds and creeks, and spending time with family.
As a teen, one of Ronnie’s first jobs was riding on a trash truck, throwing trash for an honest wage. With his large stature, standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, Stretch was strong and exceptional at his job. Shortly after, he earned his Commercial Driver’s License and began hauling various types of cargo, from engine oil to propane. He met his loving wife, Marjie, in 1991, and in 1992 they married and welcomed a beautiful daughter, Bailey.
He continued driving tractor‑trailers and hauling different types of cargo until his retirement in 2021. Ronnie loved telling stories from his life, sharing knowledge, spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids, visiting family, and cracking jokes. He was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed greatly by all who knew him, and Ronnie’s name will always be synonymous with integrity.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Marjie, and four daughters: Bailey Lucas and husband Anthony; Brandi Puryear and husband Kris; Natasha Gribble and husband Jimmy; and Felicia. He is also survived by two sons: Billy Ashmore and wife Kassie, Cody Ashmore and wife Christina, along with 15 grandchildren.
