Ronnie Allen Gatewood

Frankfort – It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our loved husband, father, and grandfather, Ronnie Allen Gatewood. Born on March 12,1955, to the late Edwin “Pete” Gatewood and Thelma “Louise” Boggess Gatewood, he left this world way too early on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the age of 69. Ronnie graduated from Franklin County High School in 1973. After graduating, he held several jobs including working at his family’s store, Jiffy’s. In January of 1986, he found the career that was meant for him when he joined the Franklin County Sheriff’s office. He would stay there until he retired as Captain and Chief Deputy in December of 2010, after a proud 24 years of service. Ronnie’s spare time was hardly “spare” as he continued to stay busy contributing to the community that he loved. He followed in his father’s footsteps and was active coaching for local baseball teams, sharing his love for and knowledge of the game. Ronnie could always be on a field of some sort either watching his son Ryan play baseball, his granddaughter Bella play softball and later the soccer field watching his youngest grandchildren play their game. A true family man mixed with the most enthusiastic fan, and a keen eye for the rules of all sports that interested him, his absence in the bleachers will not go unnoticed. Ronnie never missed an episode of The Andy Griffith Show or The Big Bang Theory. If you knew Ronnie, you know these shows with their simplistic humor and memorable one-liners matched his sense of humor to a tee. He also attempted to watch UK basketball games, however; more often than not, he would shut the television off due to what the excitement did to his nerves. Something you would learn quickly if you tried to watch a game with him! A man of true financial acumen, there was no bargain that Ronnie could not seek out. All in good fun (for the most part) he also was known to return to fast food restaurants that may have sent him home with an incomplete order or an errant charge. While Ronnie was proud of his frugality, he also appreciated accurate, efficient, and friendly service. When he found places that he deemed acceptable in these areas, he was truly a loyal customer for life. In more recent years, Ronnie enjoyed his daily walks with his treasured wife of over 48 years, Nancy. A creature of habit, Ronnie loved his weekly outings with the “Lunch Crew” and family dinners at El Patio. Above all, Ronnie loved his family and friends and will be remembered for being a wonderful and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Ronnie leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Nancy Condreva Gatewood, his children, Heather (Brandon Noble), Jennifer (Zac Donnelly), and Ryan (Katie Jordan); siblings, Eddie (Jeannie); Susan Reynolds; Bette Carol (Everette Roberts), Steve (Yvonne); and grandchildren, Isabella, Presley, Beckham, Sloane, James, and Parker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Daryl Gatewood. While we will miss our family’s fearless leader, Abraham Lincoln said it best, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Ronnie lived a full, impactful, and well-respected life in his years, and we will forever carry him, his advice and good orderly direction in our hearts forever. A gathering of family and friends for Ronnie Gatewood will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home in Frankfort on Monday, February 17, 2025. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Eddie Gatewood, Steve Gatewood, Glenn Gatewood, Ted Collins, Buddy Gibson, Doug Mitchell and Whitey Woods. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association: PO Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

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Ronnie Allen Gatewood

March 12, 1955 - February 7, 2025