The Lord called Ronald Dean Braddock Sr. home October 2, 2017 in Callahan at the age of 69, following a lengthy battle with his health.
Our “Miracle Man” defied the odds countless times after suffering a cardiac arrest in July 2014 while out on a boat. For the past three years, our beloved family man has fought to regain his strength and continued to stay “Braddock Strong.” Early Monday morning, Ronnie succumbed to his illness and went home to be with the Lord and all those who preceded him in death.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Lissa, of 45 years; twin brother, Donnie, and brother, Dale (Carol); children, Ronnie Jr. (Kadie), Erin (Chris), Lauren (Shea) and Natalie (Bryan); nine grandchildren; and a large extended family, including a very special nephew, Alex Croft, who helped care for Ronnie since his illness.
Ronnie was born in Callahan to Donald and Claudine Braddock. He graduated from Callahan High School in 1966 and Henderson State University in 1971, where he joined ROTC. Ronnie served in the U.S. Army until 1974 as a first lieutenant, then in the Army Reserves.
In 1972, he married his college sweetheart, Lissa, while they were both teaching at Hilliard Middle School. He went on educate and coach hundreds of Nassau County students for the next 11 years before turning his attention to his businesses. He owned and operated Super Test Food Store and Braddock Transport Trucking in Callahan.
Anyone who knew Ronnie Braddock knew of his love for football. After high school, he played linebacker for the Henderson State Reddies, then went on to play in the American Football Association for the Chicago Fire, Texarkana Titans and the 1979 AFA champions, the Jacksonville Firebirds. After his years of playing football, Ronnie coached hundreds of players in Nassau County and helped many of them to the collegiate level, often sending them to his alma mater. He was inducted into the Henderson State Reddies Hall of Honor in 2006.
Most currently, Ronnie was an elected official for the Nassau County Port Authority. He held his position for the last 16 years.
Ronnie had a reverent love for his Lord, his family and his friends. He never met a stranger and waved at everyone he passed on the road. He could always be counted on to share a story or help a friend in need. Ronnie will forever be remembered as the most loving, kind, generous and special husband, Daddy and friend.
Please keep the Braddock family in your prayers.