Rev. Ronnie Ray Matthews

Reverend Ronnie Ray “Ron” Matthews was born on January 10, 1953, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Richard and Lucy Pearl Matthews. From an early age, he displayed a natural curiosity and a drive for excellence that would guide him throughout his life. While attending Southside High School in the Memphis City Schools system, Ronnie discovered a passion for electronics. He not only excelled in the program but also found purpose in the precision, creativity, and discipline the field required. This early spark would shape his career and calling.

After graduation, Ronnie answered the call to serve his country. He joined the United States Navy, where he proudly wore the uniform and further developed his expertise in electronics. During the Vietnam War era, Ronnie served aboard the USS Constellation. With discipline and dedication, he laid the foundation for a career that would later bless his family and community.

When his military service concluded, Ronnie stepped into the workforce, establishing himself as a highly skilled Engineering Technician Supervisor. He went on to earn his Associate of Science degree in Electronic Engineering Technology. His career was marked by precision, leadership, and an unshakable work ethic that reflected his character.

But beyond his career, the Lord had greater plans for Ronnie. On March 24, 1990, God blessed him with the love of his life, Brenda Duffey. For 35 years, their marriage was a testimony of faith, partnership, and endurance. Through their union, their family was beautifully blended with daughters LaTonya and Ronneshia, and later, they welcomed a son, Jamorie. Ronnie embraced his role as husband and father wholeheartedly and modeled what it meant to lead a family with love, prayer, and respect.

Ronnie’s deepest call, however, was to ministry. Answering God’s voice, he devoted himself to serving faithfully at Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas for 36 years. His work with the youth left a lasting imprint as he mentored, guided, and encouraged young people to see a future beyond their circumstances. He organized HBCU college trips, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and reached out to those in need through the church’s outreach ministry, feeding the homeless and spreading God’s love.

A lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, Ronnie also cherished the simple joys of life. He loved watching his team play, win or lose, and his Cowboys spirit was always a part of his conversations, laughter, and gatherings with family and friends. Just as he cheered for his team, he also cheered for his loved ones, celebrating every accomplishment and encouraging them through every challenge.

He loved family gatherings, holidays, and the warmth of togetherness. Whether with his wife, children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, Ronnie was happiest when he was surrounded by family, laughter, and love.

Awaiting his arrival in Glory are his parents, Richard Matthews and Lucy Pearl Matthews; his sister, Gloria Dunlap; and his brother, Elroy Matthews.

To continue his legacy of love and faith, Ronnie leaves his devoted wife of 35 years, Brenda Matthews; his children - LaTonya Allen, Ronneshia Bronner (Orlandus), and Jamorie Matthews; his grandchildren - Marco Rose, Cortez Westbrook, Cambria Scullark, Jocelyn Bronner, Kennedy Murray, Essence Murray, Dylan Bronner, Zion Murray, and Nina Bronner; his great-grandchildren - Tyler Davis, Canary Westbrook, and Jolee Bronner; his siblings - Richard Matthews, Jr., Connie Stewart, and Shelia Osbourne; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will cherish his memory.

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