In Loving Memory of

Ronald Douglas Clary

July 4, 1954 – October 22, 2026

Ronald Douglas Clary, born on July 4, 1954, in Massillon, Ohio, to Sarah Josephine Clary and James Douglas Clary, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026, at 10:22 p.m., surrounded by his beloved children at the time of his final breath. He was 72 years old.

Ronald was also affectionately known as Ronnie, Dad, and Grandpa.

Ronnie lived a life rooted in hard work, family, and the simple pleasures that made life worth living. In 1983, he relocated to Houston, Texas, where he worked as a welder by trade. In 1993, he made his way to Lake Charles, Louisiana, a place that would become home and hold a special place in his heart.

Ronald earned his GED in 1994 and continued his education at SOWELA Technical Community College, where he studied Drafting. He was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family and making a life of his own.

Outside of work, Ronald found happiness in the things he loved most. He enjoyed cooking his famous drunk chicken, firing up just about anything on his Old Smokey, and spending time with a cold Miller Lite or a sip of Jim Beam close by. He loved watching football and baseball and proudly cheered for his Ohio State Buckeyes, Houston Astros, New Orleans Saints, and LSU Tigers. He also enjoyed watching thoroughbred horse racing and NASCAR. Whether gathered around the grill, watching a game, or enjoying a race, he knew how to appreciate the things that brought him joy.

Above all else, Ronnie loved his family. His children and grandchildren were among his greatest blessings, and he was especially proud of the generations that followed him. The memories he created with his family will be treasured for generations to come.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Patsy (Ed) Huff and twin brother Donald Clary; his children, Jeremy Clary, Amber Simpson (Bobby), Brandi Clary (David), and Sam Roth (Matt); and his beloved grandchildren, Alexia, MiKayleigh, Cara, Jaxon, Drake, Cooper, Demi, Gunner, and Hazel. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Carter, and his soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter, Adora.

Also left to cherish his memory is his dear friend of more than 43 years, Tina Campise, and her son, Trey Collett, whom Ronnie loved and considered family. Their bond was built over decades of friendship, love, and shared memories, proving that family is not always defined by blood, but by the people who hold a permanent place in our hearts.

Ronald also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. His heart had room for more than family by blood. He dearly loved those who came after him whom he considered nieces and nephews, even though they were not related to him by blood. Family was never just about a name or a shared last name; it was about the love, connection, and place someone held in his heart.

Ronald was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Sarah Josephine and James Douglas and sister Pamela Killinger.

Though his family grieves his passing, there is comfort in knowing that Ronnie has been reunited in Heaven with his beloved pup, Phoebe, and his precious baby girl, Tina Marie, whom he had not seen in nearly 43 years. After so many years apart, a reunion that had been long awaited has finally come.

Ronnie also leaves behind a special kind of love in the heart of his grandpup, Meaux. Meaux loved his grandpa dearly, and every time they saw one another, his tail wagged proudly with excitement. Their bond was a beautiful reminder that love between family members comes in all forms, including the four-legged ones who make our lives brighter.

Ronald’s presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in every family gathering, every meal cooked on the grill, every football game watched together, every horse race and NASCAR race enjoyed, and every story told about the man they love. His legacy lives on through the children he raised, the grandchildren he cherished, and the generations who will continue to carry his love forward.

Heaven gained a Buckeye, an Astros fan, a Saints fan, an LSU fan, a hardworking welder, a family man, and a Daddy who was loved beyond words.

May he rest peacefully, surrounded by the love he gave so freely here on Earth and reunited at last with the loved ones who went before him.

A Special Thank You

The family of Ronald Douglas Clary extends heartfelt gratitude to the care team at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, ICU Ward 9, for the exceptional care they provided to Ronnie and the compassion, understanding, love, and support they showed to his family.