Ronald Ray "Ronnie" Howard, 66, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2024, in Houston, Texas. He was born on April 27, 1957, to Ruby Norma Howard and Roy Von Howard. A native Houstonian, he graduated from North Shore Senior High School in 1975. Ronnie met Denise at Desperado dance hall in Houston, Texas, and quickly won her over as a dance partner and, ultimately, a life partner. Denise and Ronnie were married on March 27, 1982, in Houston. Ronnie began working for Wayne Enterprises, in 1983, as a salesman, and eventually became the President. Over the course of his four decades with Wayne, Ronnie demonstrated his tremendous work ethic and dedication, working alongside committed team members to grow the company to over 200 employees and thousands of valued customers.

A man with a seemingly endless amount of energy and capacity for productivity, Ronnie rarely sat down. When he wasn't at Wayne, he was making improvements to his home, changing cameras at the deer lease, or tailgating and watching Aggie football or the Astros. Ronnie was well-known to be able to fix anything with efficiency and ease, occasionally sacrificing precision in the name of completing the task. A lifelong outdoorsman and persistent learner, Ronnie loved fishing, hunting, golfing, and enjoying time near water. Above all, Ronnie cherished time spent sharing these passions with his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

Ronnie lived a life exemplifying unconditional love and loyalty to his family, friends, and employees, and will be sorely missed by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 42 years, Denise Kirkman Howard, son, Ronald Ray Howard, Jr., and his wife, Kerry; son, Jonathan James Andrews, and his wife, Lyndsay, of Lumberton; son, Cutter James Howard, and his wife, Jean Marie; grandchildren, Jack, Tate, and Reed Howard; Paisley and Collins Andrews; and Milam and Wells Howard. Ronnie is also survived by his three sisters, Sue Becknell, and husband, Doug; Dodie Howard; and Judy Bircher and husband, Paul, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and close friends, including Mike Melnar, Ronnie's best friend of over 50 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Roy Howard, and his brother, Royce Howard.

A viewing will be held at Klein Funeral Home in Champion Forest on Friday, March 15, from 5:00 - 8:00 in the evening. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Ronnie's memory to LifeGift.