Ronald E. “Ronnie” Surratt, 72, Jacksonville, died Saturday, November 19, 2022, at his residence.
He was born March 1, 1950, in Jacksonville, the son of Russell and Viola Marie Hamm Surratt. He married Barbara Ater on October 7, 1972, in Arenzville, and she survives.
He is also survived by two children, Andrew (Amanda) Surratt of New Berlin and Julie (Phil) Wilkinson of Morris; four grandchildren, Ashley Surratt, Hayden Surratt, Wyatt Wilkinson, and Rose Wilkinson; two sisters, Rhonda (Leo) Willard of Springfield and Gerry (Nimmie) McDannald of Jacksonville; two brothers, Terry “Pete” (Corky) Surratt of Jacksonville and Gary (Tammy) Surratt of Chapin, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Bernice McCurley and Berneta Berry.
Ronnie was raised in Concord where he learned to work hard and care for others. He began working at the age of 10 carrying coal buckets for ten cents a bucket and took a job working for a local farmer at the age of 13, all in order to provide for his family. At the age of 16, he went to work for Nickel Brothers and retired from there in 2014. He was a 1968 graduate of Triopia High School where he was an outstanding student and played football. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Illinois College and took additional schooling at UIS.
When Ronnie wasn’t working for others, he kept busy on his farm where he raised Polled Hereford cattle, goats, and cared for his burrow, Milton. He loved mowing his yard and, following his move to Jacksonville, was proud to have received the mayor’s “Yard of the Week” recognition. He was a board member for Concord Cemetery for 40 years, coached softball, and was a 4-H leader for over a decade, once winning the 4-H Leader of the Year award.
Ronnie spent his life working, providing, and caring about others above himself. His children and grandchildren were never in a short supply of safe tires, warnings about looking out for deer, new “tenny-runners” for school, bicycles, wristwatches, snow gear, or some “walking around money.” He did countless quiet deeds for people in need, whether it was writing checks to fire victims or seeing that the neighborhood kid got a bike for Christmas.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Williamson Funeral Home. The family will meet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Private interment will be at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to Concord Cemetery, Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice, Indian Creek 4-H Club, or the Triopia Public School Foundation. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.
