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

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.

In Motion

Video Memories

Sermons, celebrations, and family recordings.

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Sermons, celebrations, and family recordings — saved safely for generations.

The Memory Wall

Stories Shared by Those He Touched

A favorite story, a lesson he taught, a scripture, or a prayer for the family.

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A favorite story, a lesson he taught you, a scripture, or simply a prayer.

    Light a Candle

    A quiet moment of remembrance for Rev. English and his family.

    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

    Children

    • Deverri Johnson
    • Germaine English
    • Ronald W. English II

    Grandchildren

    • Mekio Ravenel
    • BreAnna English Recavarran (Franco Recavarran)
    • Alexander English (Madeline English)
    • William English
    • Victoria English

    Great-Grandchildren

    • Christopher Angelo Recavarran English
    • Malachi James Recavarran English

    Extended Family

    • Regina English — Sister
    • Karen Williams — Niece
    • Kevin Smith — Nephew
    • A host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, lifelong friends, fellow veterans, and church family

    Preceded Him in Death

    • Beverly English — Beloved Wife
    • Angelo Recavarran English — Great-Grandson

    Celebration of Life

    Service Information

    Date
    To be announced
    Time
    To be announced
    Location
    To be announced
    Reception
    Details to follow
    Livestream
    Link will be shared here
    Attire
    Celebration of life — color is welcome

    Final service details, directions, parking, and the livestream link will be published here as soon as they are confirmed.

    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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