Ronald James Barnett

"The greatest men that ever live pass away unknown. They put forth no claims for themselves, establish no schools or systems in their name. They never create or stir but just melt down into love." - Tom Robbins

Celebrating a life well lived, Ronald (Ronnie) James Barnett, 89, of Mobile, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026. Ronnie was born on December 18, 1936, in Brewton, Alabama, to Allie Maydell (White) and Veston Jethro Barnett.

After moving to Mobile as a young child, Ronnie graduated from Murphy High School, class of 1955. He met the love of his life, Doris (Rice), on a blind date in 1957. They married in 1959. The first of his family to attend college, Ronnie continued his education at Auburn University where he received two degrees: Industrial Management (1962) and Industrial Engineering (1965). His son, Ronald Jr., was born in 1963, and daughter Cathy came along in 1967.

A career IBMer, from 1965-1975, he contracted with NASA in Huntsville, Alabama, where he worked on the Saturn V and each of the Apollo Missions-thus, his family considers him a rocket scientist. In 1976, Ronnie was transferred to IBM's Manassas, Virginia branch. After three snowy winters, this southern boy requested a move to warmer weather. The Barnetts landed in Georgetown, Texas, where Ronnie worked in the Austin branch. After his nest emptied, he and Doris re-settled in Mobile after a 21-year absence. Post IBM, Ronnie channeled his engineering skills into building a thriving custom-fit golf club business. RJ the Clubmaker shipped meticulously crafted clubs all over the contiguous United States, and to 37 countries around the globe-from Greenland to Guam, Switzerland to Sri Lanka, Fiji to Finland.

Without a doubt, Ronnie's favorite colors were orange and blue. A devout Auburn fan, he followed all AU sports. He could spout off softball and swimming stats as quickly as he could football and basketball. And he excelled in juggling multiple events on multiple screens at the same time. Among his many other talents, Ronnie had the uncanny ability to score an upfront parking spot, even in the busiest of lots, earning him the moniker, Mr. Park (self-titled).

A gentle soul, Ronnie had a quiet charm, a playful nature, and a sharp wit. He lived a quiet life, defined by kindness, hard work, integrity, and generosity. He loved nothing more than a good meal (burn the steak, please), a big unsweet iced tea (with lime), and a night gathered around the table playing family games with his grandkids. He's been crowned Boggle and Ticket to Ride champ many times over. Ronnie rolled with the punches, tempering the highs and lows of life with sage wisdom. "Just another experience in life," was one of his go-to lines.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, just weeks shy of their 67th wedding anniversary. And will be deeply missed by his son Ronald, Jr.; his daughter Cathy (Frank) Lepik; his brother, Maurice (Caroline); his sister Margaret (David) Hickson; and his grandchildren, Alex, Ben, and Emma Lepik; Alyssa and Ronald III.

In keeping with his humble personality, Ronnie requested no formal ceremony. A simple graveside service to honor his wonderful life will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, 2 pm, at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Gathering for the processional begins at 1:30 pm.