Ronnie Lee Kay of Houston went to be with the Lord after a very courageous battle with cancer on January 4, 2013. He was born June 25, 1944 at Heights Hospital in Houston, Texas; parents Jesse Willard Kay, Sr., "Bill" and Elizabeth "Jackie" Griswold. He and his two brothers, native Heights boys; Doyle and Jesse "Buddy" grew up in the area of the Heights with their parents. He attended school in the Heights area. Ronnie initially started working as a 2nd generation "Ice Man" by delivering ice with his father to homes where block ice was placed in "ice boxes". At this time they knew that people needed ice based on a "sign" that was placed in the window with a number dictating how many pounds were needed. Ronnie was given an ice truck and over a dozen accounts by his father and from that point on the ice industry flourished in the Houston area and other surrounding cities. Ronnie initiated a service, now known as the "Hot Shot" ice business in town, which made deliveries on call, 24 hours a day. Through the hustle and bustle, Ronnie with his hot shot business and his route delivery business expanded into what is now one of the leading ice distributors in the Houston and surrounding areas. With over 50 years experience, Ronnie is referred to as the owner of the "Oldest Ice Company in Town". By means of the ice industry many boys were turned into men as they were mentored by Ronnie as he gave everyone an opportunity no matter their circumstance or situation. Ronnie lived a simple life, never met a stranger, believed in customer service and befriending anyone that he encountered. To his last day Ronnie would give anyone his last dollar if the need arose.
Ronnie is survived by his companions and best friends, Lisa and Liz, and he and the family are fortunate for their great caretaking during his past years. Other survivors include lifelong companions Shirley, Lenora, and Ruth. He enjoyed buying and trading vehicles, road tripping to the casinos and gambling, playing 42 (dominoes), watching baseball, listening to the oldies, and singing along with Elvis. He loved playing with his grandchildren, trick-or-treating, and being a spectator at their softball games while still maintaining a strong desire to live life to its fullest and fight the battle of cancer. He is survived by his kids, Debra Applekamp, Donna Kay, Ronnie "Bubba" Kay Jr., Richard Kay, Robert Phillips, Randy Kay, Katherine Kay, "Little" Ronnie Kay, Renai Baxter, Brandie Kay, Brian Kay, Jason Kay, Kristie Kay, Kerry Kay, Tiffany Forester, and stepchildren, Brenda Phillips and Carlton Dickinson. He is also survived by twenty-nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many extended family members and a wonderful neighborhood of friends. He is also survived by his brothers, Doyle and "Buddy" Kay and half-brother, Gary Kay. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Willard Kay, Sr., "Bill" and Elizabeth "Jackie" Griswold, and his daughter, Laura Lee Kay.
Visitation for friends and family will be Wednesday, January 9, 2013 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Heights Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2013 in the Chapel of Heights Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Garden of Memories, Houston, Texas. Ronnie was a well-loved man, many respected friends, extended family members, and family members will miss him.
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