Ronald Roy Horrocks, Sr

Ronald “Big Ron” Horrocks, Sr

             Ronald Horrocks died peacefully at his home on the afternoon of Thursday, December 26th. His wife, Diane and his sons Ron Jr and Randy were with him. Ron was born on August 24, 1941 in Providence, RI to Nels and Stella Horrocks. When he was eight years old, his family relocated to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where he spent most of his life. After graduating from Ft. Lauderdale High School in 1959, Ron worked for a dredging company on the Connecticut River in New England. This experience began a life of adventure for him. Coming home to Ft. Lauderdale after his dredging experience, he began working on a drift fishing boat, the Captain Bill in Ft. Lauderdale. Working hard, he advanced quickly and earned his Captain’s License by the time he was 20 years old. Ron then decided to join the Navy and volunteered to go to the Antarctic with “Operation Deep Freeze”. He had a long career with Southern Bell (now A T&T) and took early retirement as a manager at the age of 50. During that time he had joined the Coast Guard Reserve and after retiring joined them full time. He had a total of 30+ years with the military and retired on August 24, 2001 as a Master Chief. His last posting was with Station Miami as the Command Master Chief. He then began teaching nautical classes at the Star Center in Dania, Florida. He continued teaching part time until 2015. After moving to Crestview in 2012, Ron was active in the community, serving at the soup kitchen and homeless shelter. He had a caring heart and loving spirit which showed in all he did. His sense of humor was infectious and his funny quotes became famous in his family as “Grampyisms”. Ron is survived by his wife, Diane, his two sons, Ron Jr and his wife Chris and Randy and his wife Sheila; his brother, Allan and his wife Dorothy “Dottie”; his grandchildren Patrick, Abigayle, Maeve, Philip, Paton and Diane’s children, Kim, Jill & nephew Don. Ron loved his family above all and will be sorely missed as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

A service will be held Monday, January 6, 2020 at 11:30 am at New Bethel Methodist Church.  A time of visitation will be from 10:30-11:30 just prior to service.  Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview.  Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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