I’m sad to learn of Ronnie’s death today. Our families, the Riley’s and the Garrison’s were close in days gone by. Together we participated in church functions at Wesley Memorial Methodist in Bridgeton, NJ. I remember how happy we were, especially at Christmas time, because early in life we learned about the greatest gift ever given to mankind – the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Our parents explained the importance of learning the meaning of this gift. Uncle Walt, Aunt Ethel, Uncle Melvin, and Aunt Treva were the kind of parents that openly spoke to us kids about this sacred time of year. Early in life, Susan, Richie, Patsy, Ronnie, and brother Robin learned to love the Lord. Each one of us grew to appreciate the family aspect of our times together and I like to believe, we have all formulated our families based on traditions and worship times we so fondly participated in. Our parents have each moved on to their heavenly homes, as have Ronnie and Robin. There are only three family members remaining here on earth to enjoy the wonderful memories from those precious days gone by. And though, our relationships were not by blood, they were and still are bound by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Susan, Patsy, and I, say goodbye to a dear friend, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, co-worker, and yes cousin, as Ronnie was referred to so many times by Susan and I. Through the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it is with great anticipation and hope we will all be gathered together again in paradise. Rest in peace Walt, Ethel, Melvin, Treva, Ronnie, and brother Robin. To God be all the Glory!
-Richie Garrison
