Ronnie Lee Gordon

Ronnie Lee Gordon was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Ronnie will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Ronnie was the son of Ed and Nora Gordon, born on June 10, 1952 at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Ronnie grew up in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ronnie was raised with two siblings. He had an older sister, Debbie Gordon Pacheco, and an older brother, Ed Gordon. Ronnie was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Ronnie had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Ronnie was an active child who took part in football and go-cart racing. He was a Cub Scout and a paperboy. In his spare time he liked building models and reading. Ronnie's memorable achievements included trophies for go-cart racing and awards for selling newspapers. However, to Ronnie, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Ronnie had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was art. He took classes at Central Arizona College studying Psychology.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Ronnie enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up his best friend was Chris Grizzle. Later in life, he became friends with Ted and Diane Fergusen, Larry and Jolyn Stair.

On June 18, 1970 Ronnie exchanged wedding vows with Cheryll Dianne Varkonda at Phoenix Wedding Chapel of Phoenix, Arizona. Empathic and loyal, Ronnie was committed to making his new family happy.

Ronnie worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Ronnie was blessed with three daughters, Kristine, Shannon, and Roxanne. Another blessing for Ronnie was the gift of six grandchildren, Anthony, Abby, Kirstin, R.J., Chloe, and Lola.

Fortunately, Ronnie enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Ronnie worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was selling real estate and working in construction. He was employed for 22 years. Ronnie always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Ronnie enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were riding motorcycles, slot cars, RC cars and playing video games. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Ronnie found pleasure in sports. In high school, Ronnie played football and ran cross country. Recreational sports included bowling and motorcycles.

Throughout his life, Ronnie was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Ronnie was an active member of the Moose Club.

Ronnie was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. So it is little wonder that he took an active role in his community, serving on committees for the Elementary Parent Teacher Association and Girl Scouts. Politically, Ronnie was a Democrat.

Ronnie’s faith was important to him. He was a member of the West Van Buren Southern Baptist Church for many years. During that time, he was of service to the seniors and the young adults.

Ronnie enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included traveling the United States and visiting historical landmarks. He also made a yearly trip to Disneyland.

Ronnie was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. He loved dogs, and over the years he had three, Spike, Coco, and Baron. Coco and Baron have been part of the family for the last 4 years.

Ronnie became disabled in 1992, and was forced to retire. He and Cheryl moved to Gilbert, Arizona in 1998. He found pleasure in reading and watching his grandchildren.

Ronnie passed away on August 28, 2012 at Banner Gateway Hospital in Gilbert, Arizona. He battled COPD for several years. He is survived by his wife, Cheryll, his daughters, Kristine (Richard), Shannon (Damon), and Roxanne (Chris), his mother, Nora, and brother, Ed, and grandchildren, Anthony, Abby, Kirstin, R.J., Chloe, and Lola. Services were held at Lakeshore Mortuary on September 2, 2012.

Simply stated, Ronnie will always be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Ronnie leaves behind him a legacy of a beloved family and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Ronnie Lee Gordon.