The Funeral Service of Ronnie Armistead

Walter Ronald “Ronnie” Armistead, age 72 the world's greatest Georgia fan, and a lover of life, died on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at The Retreat in Monticello, Georgia.

He is survived by his son Ben (Erika) Armistead and his grandson Benjamin Kyle Armistead; his sisters, Martha (Dave) Artessa of Monticello, Lynn (Barney) Hester of Macon and Carol Ann (Terry) McMichael of Monticello; nieces and nephews, Christy (Kenny) Roberts, Misty (Craig) Garvin, David (Johna) Artessa, Thea (Steve) Ramsey, Brittany (Andy) Lewis, Cory McMichael, Andy McMichael and Haley (Kevin) Hicks. Many great nieces and nephews. 

Ronnie really loved everything that he loved. He loved his hometown of Monticello, Georgia as he felt it was the best place ever. He spent many memorable times with his son, Ben at the lake or the river. They have so many fun stories to share. He shared a special relationship with his father, Fred Armistead and he believed, rightly so, that his mother, Betty Armistead, was an angel. He remained close to his three sisters and their husbands, his entire life. 

Ronnie attended ABAC after graduating high school and worked at several radio stations where he was fondly known as “Rockin’ Ron” playing music and calling local football games. When he moved back to Monticello, during the week, for many years Ronnie could be found at his family’s business, Fred’s Finer Foods in the Produce Section sharing friendly conversations with all. After his time at the store, he spent time working for Dexter Axle and then retired from the Jasper County Tax Assessors office. He was dedicated to any job and to those he worked with over the years. 

He also took pride in his service in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War where he met and continued many friendships made through the years. 

We could not say good-bye to Ronnie without memorializing his love for his Georgia Bulldogs. At one time he was a season ticket holder for football and truly bled red and black. If you needed him on a Saturday in the Fall, you wouldn’t find him available when the DAWGS were playing. He always recorded the games and shared them with many. 

He didn’t stay as long as we all would have liked, but he got a whole heck of a lot out of his time with us. The family asks that you remember Ronnie as a great guy that enjoyed life!

The family would like to thank his many caregivers and the staff of Abbey Hospice for their care and love of Ronnie during his struggle with cancer.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at the Monticello Baptist Church with Reverend David Artessa officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. at the church.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tony Wild, Roger Allen, Dave Artessa, Barney Hester, Terry McMichael, Kenneth Thomason and Steve Mapel.

As Ronnie was an avid UGA football fan, his family asks that everyone who is planning to attend his celebration of life wear red and black. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Monticello Baptist Church Youth Building fund.  

Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.