Rev. Ronnie R. Gipson, Sr. Obituary

Ronnie Richard Gipson was born October 9, 1949 in Cameron, Texas, Milam County. This bouncy mischievous son was the first¬born to the parentage of Dudley Gipson and Dorothy Richards Gipson. Ronnie accepted Christ at an early age. It was at Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church that he began his Bible study and training. Many times, Ronnie would speak lovingly of the times with his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Alene Henderson, as he worked right alongside her there at Grant Chapel. His discipline led him from woodworking and crafting to the football field and basketball court at Johnston High. Whether on the court, field or life, his desire was to win. That is one trait that followed him through life; disciple yourself to win! Upon graduation from Johnston High School, Austin, Texas, Ronnie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably as Gunnery Sergeant Marksman. He served in the Third MAW, assigned to Special Ops as a sniper. Ronnie's athletic prowess caught the attention of the Marine Corps Coaching Staff. He played both Football and Basketball for the Corps. His squadron took a direct hit by enemy fire late one evening. It was God's hand that protected Ronnie and he recuperated in Iwakuna, Japan. Prior to discharge, Ronnie began his collegiate career at Santa Ana College in California. Ronnie's return to Texas proved to be God's design. He joined Saint James Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. E. M. Franklin, pastor and Chairman Deacon Samuel Matthews were both mentors to him. In 2002, Ronnie accepted the call to the Gospel Ministry. Pastor B. W. McClendon and the Church Family rejoiced with him. His first message, "Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice," was delivered in September, 2002 at Saint James. He was licensed in 2002 and Ordained to the Gospel Ministry in May, 2014. Having completed all requirements by the State of Texas and licensed as a Paralegal, he immediately enrolled in Mount Olive Bible Institute. Ronnie was active in the E. M. Franklin Male Chorus until he could no longer stand, but for short periods. He studied with the Brotherhood. He rarely missed the blessed fourth Sunday morning fellowships, where the Brothers would feast together, with their breakfast and on the shared Word. Rev. Gipson taught classes in Vacation Bible School to the young boys. He was a Church School Teacher, serving in the New Comers Ministry and the School of the Prophets. On October 9, 2004, Ronnie united in holy matrimony to Cheryl Sterling Busby. The Lord greatly blessed this union throughout their days together. Rev. Gipson was active in the community where he lived. He coached for nine years with the Town and Country Junior NBA League. He mentored several of the players and his home was considered "the hang¬out," by the players. He actively engaged in the life of his players, many times meeting with teachers, to encourage and engage them in a wholesome lifestyle. Every team player and family was introduced to Christ. Many students accepted Jesus, while at "the hang¬out". One entire Hindu family embraced Jesus as their God, when stopping by to pick ¬up their son, who had spent the day with Rev. Gipson. Some basketball seasons were won some not, however God was the "goal!" Rev. Gipson was preceded in death by his father, Dudley Gipson, maternal grandmother, Alene Henderson, daughter, Rossia Gipson, his father-in-¬law, Blakey Sterling and brother-¬in-¬law, Dwayne Sterling. Rev. Ronnie Richard Gipson, Sr. leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Cheryl Sterling Gipson; two sons, Ronnie R. Gipson, Jr (Helen), Seoul, Korea and Lance E. Gipson (Teri) Austin, Texas; one daughter Charle' Sterling (Charles Cannon), Houston, Texas; two sisters Mary L. Gipson Lawrence (Clyde) and Charlene Gipson Lawrence (Carl) both of Kyle, Texas; mother, Mrs. Dorothy Gipson Brown, Austin, Texas; three grandsons, Christian Sterling Cannon, Houston, Texas, Joseph, Gipson, Saginaw, Michigan; Noah Gipson, Seoul, Korea; four granddaughters, Jean and Alene Gipson, Huntsville, North Carolina, Shantiel and Brittaney Gipson, Cedar Park, Texas; one nephew, Lee Malcolm Riggins (Bopha), Austin, Texas and niece, SheNe Riggins Sanderson (Carl), Austin, Texas. Seven great nephews and nieces, god¬sister and god¬brother, 2 god¬daughters; his Church School Class along with a host of relatives and friends. Family is uniquely comprised of those related due to biology but many times, by the Sovereignty of God Himself, by those who share His blood. At some time, on a day not recorded in Texas, Ronnie Gipson, Sr. and Carl Williams became brothers. They both acknowledged and embraced their relationship. They both carried the weight and responsibility of that word, brother. Ronnie leaves to cherish him, a brother, Carl Williams, Austin, Texas. Funeral Home: King-Tears Mortuary 1300 East 12th Street Austin, TX US 78702

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