Ronald Arthur "Ronnie" Valentine, age 87, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. Born on August 8, 1938, in the same city he called home throughout his life, Ronnie leaves behind a legacy of faith, excellence, and unwavering devotion to family and community.
A proud graduate of Tilden High School, Ronnie went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Army for two years. His disciplined spirit and commitment to service became hallmarks of both his personal and professional life.
For 25 years, Ronnie worked as a Senior Customer Service Engineer at Xerox Corporation. His dedication and exceptional performance earned him the prestigious President's Club National Quality Award, an acknowledgment of the high standards he upheld in every endeavor. Beyond his corporate career, Ronnie was also the founder and owner of Valentine & Associates, where he applied his expertise in carpentry and business with integrity and skill. His craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit were admired by all who knew him.
Ronnie was a true Renaissance man whose talents spanned far beyond his professional accomplishments. He was an accomplished seamster, a passionate outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, and a skilled marksman who spent time at the gun range. He found joy in hobbies such as swimming and tennis and had a deep appreciation for music. From jazz to blues to country, music filled his life with rhythm and soul. He also enjoyed learning three instruments: the saxophone, clarinet, and piano, testaments to his lifelong love of learning.
At the heart of Ronnie's life was an unshakable faith in God. A devoted student and teacher of the Word, he spent countless hours studying scripture and sharing its truths with others. Whether attending Kings Community Church or teaching from his living room, Ronnie lived out his beliefs with conviction and humility. For over forty years, he quietly supported numerous ministries, reflecting the immeasurable love of Jesus Christ through his generosity and service.
Ronnie's role as patriarch of the Valentine family was one he embraced with dignity and strength. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Diann Valentine; sons David R. Valentine and Steven K. Valentine; daughter Gina L. Valentine; grandson Christopher Seals; and granddaughters Gia N. Crawley, Sydney A. Valentine, and Symone R. Valentine. He also held a special place in the hearts of his first cousins, many cherished nieces and nephews, and a host of friends and neighbors within the Christian community.
He now joins in eternal rest his father, Robert R. Valentine (son of Reverend Robert & Irene Valentine); mother, Leila Gwendolyn (Webb) Hicks (daughter of Herbert & Julia Webb); sister, Roberta Valentine; and brothers, Richard and Eric Valentine.
Ronnie's life was marked by integrity, discipline, generosity, and love, a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him. His greatest desire was for others to know the profound love of Jesus Christ that shaped every part of his journey.
May his memory be a guiding light to those he touched through faith, family, friendship, and service.
A proud graduate of Tilden High School, Ronnie went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Army for two years. His disciplined spirit and commitment to service became hallmarks of both his personal and professional life.
For 25 years, Ronnie worked as a Senior Customer Service Engineer at Xerox Corporation. His dedication and exceptional performance earned him the prestigious President's Club National Quality Award, an acknowledgment of the high standards he upheld in every endeavor. Beyond his corporate career, Ronnie was also the founder and owner of Valentine & Associates, where he applied his expertise in carpentry and business with integrity and skill. His craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit were admired by all who knew him.
Ronnie was a true Renaissance man whose talents spanned far beyond his professional accomplishments. He was an accomplished seamster, a passionate outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, and a skilled marksman who spent time at the gun range. He found joy in hobbies such as swimming and tennis and had a deep appreciation for music. From jazz to blues to country, music filled his life with rhythm and soul. He also enjoyed learning three instruments: the saxophone, clarinet, and piano, testaments to his lifelong love of learning.
At the heart of Ronnie's life was an unshakable faith in God. A devoted student and teacher of the Word, he spent countless hours studying scripture and sharing its truths with others. Whether attending Kings Community Church or teaching from his living room, Ronnie lived out his beliefs with conviction and humility. For over forty years, he quietly supported numerous ministries, reflecting the immeasurable love of Jesus Christ through his generosity and service.
Ronnie's role as patriarch of the Valentine family was one he embraced with dignity and strength. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Diann Valentine; sons David R. Valentine and Steven K. Valentine; daughter Gina L. Valentine; grandson Christopher Seals; and granddaughters Gia N. Crawley, Sydney A. Valentine, and Symone R. Valentine. He also held a special place in the hearts of his first cousins, many cherished nieces and nephews, and a host of friends and neighbors within the Christian community.
He now joins in eternal rest his father, Robert R. Valentine (son of Reverend Robert & Irene Valentine); mother, Leila Gwendolyn (Webb) Hicks (daughter of Herbert & Julia Webb); sister, Roberta Valentine; and brothers, Richard and Eric Valentine.
Ronnie's life was marked by integrity, discipline, generosity, and love, a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him. His greatest desire was for others to know the profound love of Jesus Christ that shaped every part of his journey.
May his memory be a guiding light to those he touched through faith, family, friendship, and service.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald Arthur Valentine, please visit our flower store.
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