Ronald Paul Klinger's Obituary
On Monday, December 1, 2025, Ronald Paul Klinger, devoted husband and father of four children passed away at the age of 78 in Montgomery, AL. Ronald was born on May 19th, 1947, in St. Louis, MO to Paul Theodore and Mary Mildred (Berry) Klinger. He was raised in Memphis, TN, attending St. Michaels elementary and Catholic High. He earned a Bachelor of Science, cum laude, from Memphis State University in 1969, where he was also awarded an All-Time Letterwinner in Men’s Cross-Country Track and Field. Ron served in the army for nearly two years before finding his way to the business of cotton commodities where he worked for Valmac in Memphis. Ron was particularly skilled at predicting the market and he was recruited to New York City to be a commodities trader on Wall Street. Ron took up residence in the suburbs of New Jersey in 1978. Later, Ron worked for Weil Brothers Cotton, where he served as the commodities manager for the New York office. In 1996, Ron took the opportunity to relocate to be a futures manager at the main office of Weil Brothers in Montgomery, AL. In 2008, Weil Brothers closed, and Ron found his way back to Memphis where he worked for almost a decade for FedEx. After retiring, Ron moved back to Montgomery in 2023 where he resided at The Oak Grove Inn- a senior community until his passing. At Oak Grove, Ron enjoyed watching football, playing blackjack, and attending a Bible study group.
Ronald was married to the love of his life, Glynda Hix Klinger, for 49 ½ years until her passing in 2020. Ron placed family first above all else. He dedicated his life to his family and prided himself on being a provider and caregiver. He was most proud to be father to his children, Sarah, Richard, Rachel, and Andrew. Supporting the passions of his kids, Ron coached soccer teams, attended band performances, went to Special Olympic games, and watched a million theater performances. Ronald’s favorite holiday was Valentine’s Day, and he always got his family heart shaped boxes of chocolates. Ron was a man of few words but lived a life of dedicated service and love. Ron liked to surprise his family with his clever humor and his ability to fix most anything. He could water ski and drive a boat but didn’t like sand! He collected watches and hats and would frequently shine his shoes on Sunday evenings. Ron enjoyed spending time with family and took yearly summer road trips from New Jersey to Memphis to visit his siblings and mother. It was a great joy for Ron when he became a grandfather: “Poppy” to Isabella and Alexander and “G-Pa” to Finn, Lorelai and Grayson.
Ronald was preceded in death by his wife Glynda, his mother Mary Mildred Berry Klinger, father Paul Theodore Klinger, brother Lawrence Klinger, brothers-in-law Paul Pickett and James Bushnell, mother-in-law Irene Bain Hix and father-in-law Charles Richard Hix. He is survived by his four children Sarah Klinger Osborne (Scott), Richard Paul Klinger, Rachel Catherine Klinger, and Andrew Peter Klinger (Reema), his grandchildren Isabella, Alexander, Finn, Lorelai, and Grayson, his brother Steve (Margie), sisters Ruth Pickett, Shirley Verhine, and Nancy Bushnell, and several beloved nephews, great nephews and great nieces, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Open Arms Care, an organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in leading dignified and meaningful lives across TN and hosts the beloved group home where Ron’s daughter Rachel Klinger lives. To donate, visit https://www.openarmscare.org/ or call 615-254-4006.
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