- Date Of Death: September 21, 2021
- State: Indiana
Ronnie Lee Bennett was born on September 24, 1948, the second of four children born to Alex Columbus Bennett and Johnnie Beatrice (nee Wilks) Bennett in Dayton, Ohio. He passed from this dimension to Heavenly Glory on September 21, 2021, three days short of his 73rd Birthday.
Ronnie received his early education in the Dayton public schools, graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1966. He was first in his class academically and was the class President. He received an academic scholarship to Howard University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) in 1970; he was first in his class academically and Class President. He was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and served as Basileus of the Alpha Chapter.
Ronnie met Janet Welch Bennett, his college sweetheart during his first week at Howard University. They married on December 27, 1969. From this union came three children, Kimberly Bennett Gilliard (William, III) of Mt.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bruce Bennett and Alex Bennett, Jr.; his favorite aunt and uncle, Amanda and Eugene Wilks, and his best friend from college and Best-Man, Harlan Smith.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of nearly 52 years, Janet ; three children; ten grandchildren: Whitney Neal, Ryan Neal, Tatiana Bennett, Leilani Bennett, Joseph Gillard, William Gillard, IV, Emma Pletcher, Carissa Bennett, Ella Pletcher, and Camryn Bennett: three great-grandchildren: Akira Neal, Soul Neal, and Ryan Neal, Jr.
Ronnie began his career at AT&T as a summer intern in Washington, D.C. in the Long Lines Department; upon graduation from Howard, he joined the company as an Intensive Management Development Program (IMDP) for talented college grads who were seen as possessing the qualities needed in upper management and leadership.
the Technical Staff to Supervisor, to Department Head to Director, to Senior Vice President. He headed Sales of broadband equipment for the entire western USA and later, installation of broadband equipment for the entire western USA. He was involved in the sales of large telephone switching equipment to countries in Europe, Asia and The Middle East. His journey took him from Columbus, Ohio to the Naperville, Illinois Indian Hill Laboratory, to the California Bay Area to Denver, Colorado and back to the Bay Area. During his time in the Bay Area, he served on the Urban League Board of Directors. In his last assignment, as Senior Vice President Program Management he oversaw and consulted with telecommunications companies world-wide on system changes made necessary by the advent of year 2000 (W2K). He had a challenging and rewarding career which he enjoyed immensely. He retired in 2000 in response to health issues.
In retirement, he was able to explore and develop hobbies and interests not possible while working.
Other interests he enjoyed included auto racing, marathoning, golf, music with a special interest in opera, and travel. He enjoyed Indy racing from childhood. After moving to Indianapolis, he became a regular at The 500 and could be counted on to be among the highest bidders for the racing package auctioned off at the UNCF Fundraising Gala each December. A peak experience was seeing the race from the Pagoda with his grandsons. He also relished attending the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction in Arizona each January. Ronnie began running for exercise at age 30 and soon was doing two marathons per year, the Chicago Marathon in the Fall and the Lake County Marathon in the Spring. Even after moving to California, he would bring the family to Chicago for the Marathon. He preferred leisurely golf with friends and/or his wife and charity outings where he was often in contention for longest drive. He particularly liked the Omega-Kappa golf event each year and played it just a few weeks ago. His interest in opera came about when his first supervisor at Bell Labs who headed the opera circle twisted his arm to buy tickets. At first it was just an evening out, but he really began to enjoy it. In Chicago, he bought seasons tickets each year and became quite a fan. Ronnie had the ability to remember melodies and songs and know from which operas they came. He and Janet have probably seen 500 opera performances over the years. A peak experience was getting to meet his favorite opera singer, Kathleen Battle, on his 45th Birthday. He loved all genres of music especially R&B, Soul, and even Classic Country and Western which he tended to listen to when driving his Ram truck. The Country and Western reminded him of watching country music TV shows with his father as a child. By mid-career, his work was taking him all over the globe. If possible, Ronnie would tack a few days onto a trip and take Janet along.
related bucket list trips to the Greek Isles, Kenya and Tanzania for photo safari, Egypt, and the Holy Land trip to Israel, where he was baptized in the Jordan River, and several Caribbean cruises, Jamaica, and Hawaii trips.
If there was a theme to Ronnie’s life it was his dedication to his family and their well-being and happiness. He supported and financed Janet’s medical education. He treated his wife and life-long partner like a queen. He worked very hard and he played very hard and he loved his family with an intensity rarely seen. He also gave with intensity.
Ronnie was a prince, a protector, a great intellect, a man of Christ, an extremely hard worker, a gifted engineer, a devoted family man, and a man among men. So many will miss his deep laugh, his gentle smile, his soothing encouragement and his indomitable spirit. He lived an incredible life and now he rests in peace with his Lord.
When death comes, and especially when it comes rapidly and unexpectedly,
we often ask “Why”? Why my loved one and why now? We are left with
trying to make sense out of that which is so painful and unfathomable.
Romans 8:28 speaks to the questioner about the great unknown mind of the
creator and his plans that are beyond our comprehension:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”
Romans 8:28
Respectfully submitted,
The Family of Ronnie Lee Bennett
