Mr. Ronnie Lee Gaston's Obituary
Funeral Service for Mr. Ronnie Lee Gaston, 83, of Opelika, Alabama, will be Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Flint Hill Global Methodist Church. Rev. Wayne Cowhick will officiate. Burial will follow in the Flint Hill Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at Flint Hill Global Methodist Church.
Mr. Gaston passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at his home. He was born on November 24, 1941, in Alexander City, Alabama, to Wood Gaston, Sr. and Marie Dean Gaston. In his younger years, he was a member of Flint Hill Methodist Church. He owned and operated R&B Construction for many years.
A skilled heavy equipment operator, builder, and woodworker, he left his mark in countless ways. Many family members relax today in the porch swings, benches, and chairs he crafted with his own hands. He also loved to cook - his famous Brunswick stew was the most requested dish at every family gathering - and he would and can do just about anything, always eager to share his bounty with others. He was never happier than when surrounded by family and friends.
Over the years, he loved fishing from his dock on Lake Martin, and more recently along the Tallapoosa River, where he also built a riverside cabin. His favorite getaway was the house he and his wife, Betty, built in Orange Beach - always after their required pit stop in Atmore, Alabama, where they just happened to find themselves in their favorite casino “for a few minutes.”
He was a simple man who found joy in the outdoors, in the work of his hands, and in helping others. His life was marked by hard work, generosity, and humor. His legacy will live on through the family and friends who loved him dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Betty W. Gaston of Opelika; daughters, Selena Kay (Gerry) Tapley of Waverly and Leigh Ann (Greg) Thompson of Camp Hill; son, Michael Shane (Becky) Gaston of Opelika; grandchildren, Mathew (Sara Catherine) Tapley, Steven (Becky) Tapley, Abegale (Cole) Faust, Andrew Hamil, Alex (Jim) Henderson, Susan Gaston, Hayden (Tori) Thompson, and Trent Thompson; ten great grandchildren; siblings, Dwight (Janice) Gaston, Laura Evans, Elliot (Gail) Gaston, and Jenny (Billy Wayne) Fuller; and brother-in-law, Wallace Whitley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Connie Hamil; brothers, Sonny Gaston and Donnie Gaston.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ronnie Lee Gaston.
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