Ronnie Ray Laney, age 67, of Cypress, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and son on the evening of May 24, 2020.

Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Vallrie Laney, his son, Kyle Laney, his brother, James Laney, and many extended family members whom he loved dearly.

Ronnie was born in Houston, Texas to the late Shellie Laney and Ruby Neal. He is predeceased by his brother, Rudy Laney, and two sisters, Nova Jewel Price and Doris Jean Craig.

The loss of a loved one causes us to take a long pause to truly reflect and honor the beautiful qualities of and memories made with whom we have lost. Since Ronnie's passing just a few days ago, the immense impact Ronnie had on those around him has been solidified as undeniable. Ronnie's laugh, smile, kindness, and warmth lit up a room as brightly as it lit the souls within it. He approached life with unending and contagious positivity, absolutely cherished his family, and loved interacting with people from all walks of life.

As loved ones have shared their condolences with Vallrie and Kyle, several consistent themes arose that speak to Ronnie's character. Ronnie was frequently described as kind, loving, charismatic, and funny. The most heart-warming and notable consistency was the use of a phrase that came, unprompted, from numerous special people from all corners of his life: "Ronnie made me a better person." Ronnie's natural ability to spread warmth, gentle guidance, and to touch the souls of those around him is something that will be dearly missed by all.

Ronnie lived his life to serve others, especially his family. For 42 wonderful years, the love of his life, Vallrie, has been by his side, spreading love, kindness, and humor. The couple met while working at Telephone Road Drive-in Movie Theater - which was the last time that Ronnie could say he was Vallrie's "boss." Ronnie frequently shared stories of how their connection was love at first sight and that the first time he saw Vallrie, he knew he would marry her. It was his mission to remind her daily of how beautiful she was inside and out and to show how deep his love was for her.

When recently asked the secret to their four decades of love and marriage, they responded confidently that they never take each other for granted. Until the day Ronnie passed, he and Vallrie were inseparable, sharing every moment together, whether that

was an evening cuddling on the couch or a trip to the grocery store. Anyone who encountered their love and companionship knew it to be one for the storybooks, often sharing that they had never before witnessed a love like theirs.

Ronnie was particularly proud of his son Kyle and the man he has become, as he instilled in him his values of love, kindness, warmth, and confidence. Ronnie cherished their time together as a family, especially their travels, adventures, long phone conversations when apart, and various home projects they worked on together.

Ronnie's legacy lives on as he will be forever be remembered for his immense influence on people's lives. Let us forever hold close our memories of his warm smile, his words of encouragement and affirmation, his positivity and uplifting energy, and his inspiring kindness to everyone he encountered.

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Due to social distancing parameters surrounding COVID-19 guidelines and to respect the safety of those who share in this loss, a celebration of life will be held at a future date to be determined.

The Laney family encourages you to share your condolences, special memories, and photos via the Guestbook feature on this page.