Portrait of Rev. Ronald W. English, Sr., wearing a USAF Retired cap

In Loving Memory

Rev. Ronald W. English, Sr.

September 20, 1937 – August 4, 2026

A life devoted to God, family, country, and community.

Walk Through His Life

B.B. King — “The Thrill Is Gone

Celebration of Life

Wednesday, August 12 • 1:30 PM Eastern / 12:30 PM Central

His Life

A Story in Six Chapters

A young Ronald English in a suit, tie and fedora, standing beside his sister

Chapter One

Early Life

Born on September 20, 1937, Ronald W. English began a remarkable journey that would touch countless lives. From his earliest years he carried a quiet strength and a humble spirit — the qualities that would define every decade that followed.

He grew into a young man of discipline and conviction, guided by a sense that a life well lived is measured by service to others.

Airman Ronald English smiling in his United States Air Force dress uniform, January 1957

Chapter Two

Military Service

As a young man he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force. Across more than twenty-two years of honorable service, from 1956 to 1978, he faithfully defended the nation at assignments throughout the United States and overseas, including the Vietnam era in Saigon and Da Nang.

Those who served beside him knew him as a man of discipline, professionalism, dependability, and unwavering character.

Twenty-two years of honorable service — and a lifetime of honor after it.
  • Ronald English in an Air Force Retired cap standing with his son in uniform at a base ceremony
    Decades later — standing with his son in uniform.
  • A folded American flag resting in warm golden light
Ronald and Beverly English smiling together in a portrait

Chapter Three

Beverly

On May 26, 1961, Ronald married the love of his life, Beverly English. Their marriage became a beautiful testimony of faith, commitment, and unconditional love that endured for nearly forty-nine years.

As a military family they embraced every assignment together, creating loving homes wherever duty called. Through every move, every challenge, and every blessing, they remained united in faith and devoted to one another while raising a family grounded in Christian values.

  • Ronald and Beverly English seated together at a celebration
    A night out, side by side — as always.
  • Portrait of Beverly English smiling
  • Beverly English dressed for an evening celebration
Ronald English on the flight line with arms raised in celebration beside a military jet

Chapter Four

Career

Following his retirement from the United States Air Force in 1978, Ronald continued serving with distinction through his civilian career as an aeronautical engineer at McDonnell Douglas, working on the very kinds of aircraft he had spent his service years around.

He earned the respect of colleagues through his integrity, professionalism, and unmatched work ethic — and never lost the joy he found standing on a flight line.

Rev. Ronald W. English standing in his suit with family outside on a Sunday

Chapter Five

Faith & Ministry

While his military and professional accomplishments were significant, Rev. English believed his greatest calling was serving the Lord. His ministry began as a faithful Deacon, and he eventually answered God's call into the Gospel ministry.

Throughout his years of ministry he preached the Word of God, counseled families, mentored young believers, and encouraged those facing life's challenges. His faith was not reserved for Sunday mornings — it was evident every day in the way he loved, served, forgave, and cared for others.

His faith was not reserved for Sunday mornings.
  • Golden light streaming through a stained glass window onto church pews
Rev. English in a navy suit standing with his daughter Deverri at home
Dressed for a special day — with Deverri.

Chapter Six

Legacy

To his children, he was a loving father. To his grandchildren, a source of wisdom and encouragement. To his great-grandchildren, the strength and heritage of generations before them. To his church family, a faithful servant. To his fellow veterans, a brother in arms.

He taught by example that real leadership begins with serving others, that faith should be lived every day, and that family is one of God's greatest blessings. His faith lives on in those he taught. His strength lives on in those he raised. His love lives on in every generation that follows.

Forever Loved. Forever Honored. Forever Remembered.
  • The English family gathered at an Air Force graduation, June 2020
    Air Force graduation, June 2020.
  • Rev. English surrounded by three generations of family at home
    Three generations, together.
  • Rev. English seated with the men of the family gathered around him
    The men of the family.
  • Portrait of Rev. Regina Reed
    Rev. Regina Reed — Ronald's beloved sister.

His Greatest Blessing

Family

Three generations who carry his name, his faith, and his example.

Beloved Wife

Beverly English

Married May 26, 1961 · Preceded Him in death after nearly 49 years of marriage

Parents

  • Willie English — Father
  • Mary English — Mother

Siblings

  • Zedonia Smith — Sister
  • Rev. Regina Reed — Sister

Brothers-in-Law

  • L.T. Smith — Husband of Zedonia Smith
  • Lamar Davis — Husband of Rev. Regina Reed

Children

  • Deverri Johnson (Curtis Johnson)
  • Germaine English
  • Ronald W. English II (Chantawn Sherrice English)

Grandchildren

  • BreAnna Recavarran English (Franco Recavarran)
  • Alexander Ronald English (Madeline English)
  • William Chandler English
  • Victoria Grace English
  • Mekio Goodson (Rodney Goodson)

Great-Grandchildren

  • Christopher Recavarran English
  • Malachi James Recavarran English

Extended Family

  • Karen Williams — Niece
  • Lawrence Smith — Nephew
  • Fran Atchison — Niece
  • A host of Cousins, lifelong friends, fellow veterans, and church family

Preceded Him in Death

  • Beverly English — Beloved Wife
  • Willie English — Father
  • Mary English — Mother
  • Zedonia Smith — Sister
  • L.T. Smith — Brother-in-Law
  • Lamar Davis — Brother-in-Law
  • Lamar Davis Jr. — Nephew
  • Angelo Jeremiah Recavarran English — Great-Grandson

Celebration of Life

Service Information

Date
Wednesday, August 12
Time
1:30 PM Eastern / 12:30 PM Central
Location
Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home, 6449 University Hills Blvd, Dallas, TX 75241
Reception
Frederick, Maryland — Thanksgiving 2026
Livestream
Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/live/qbDZIlR6lMg

Attire
Celebration of life — color is welcome

His Story, In Full

Obituary

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

With profound sadness, yet with complete confidence in God's eternal promise, we celebrate the life and homegoing of Rev. Ronald W. English, who peacefully entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 8:14 a.m. in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 88.

Rev. English was a man whose life reflected unwavering faith, honorable service, steadfast leadership, and unconditional love. He served God faithfully, loved his family deeply, and dedicated his life to leaving every place — and every person — better than he found them.

1937 — Born September 20

1956 – 1978 — United States Air Force

1961 — Married Beverly English

1978 — Civilian career at McDonnell Douglas

Deacon, then Reverend — a lifetime of ministry

Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.

Matthew 25:23

The true measure of Rev. Ronald W. English's life is not found merely in the years he lived, the uniform he proudly wore, the sermons he preached, or the titles he held. It is found in the countless lives he influenced, the family he faithfully led, the values he instilled, and the enduring legacy of faith, love, service, and integrity that will continue for generations.

Though his voice is now silent, his influence will never fade. His faith lives on in those he taught. His strength lives on in those he raised. His love lives on in every generation that follows.

Forever Loved. Forever Honored. Forever Remembered.

United States Air Force

Military Honors

A folded American flag in warm golden light

Rev. English served the United States Air Force with distinction for more than two decades, including overseas duty during the Vietnam era. Those who served beside him remember his discipline, dependability, and unwavering character.

Branch
United States Air Force
Years of Service
1956 – 1978
Length of Service
22+ years, honorable
Overseas Duty
Vietnam era — Saigon & Da Nang
Retirement
Retired 1978

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In Motion

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Celebration of Life Service

Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home

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Celebration of Life Service · Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home