Ronald Edward "Ronnie" Wenzel

1942 - 2024

Ronald "Ronnie" Edward Wenzel (82) passed from this life at his home and entered his Heavenly home on December 30, 2024. He attended Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and was a Fishers of Men Gospel Track Association member.

Ronnie was born to Edward and Norma Plash Wenzel on November 12, 1942 in Foley, AL. He graduated from Foley High School and then entered the workforce. Ronnie joined the Navy and fought in the Vietnam War aboard the USS Blandy. After his military service, he served as a Methodist minister for several churches in North Mississippi. Eventually, he retired from his job as a maintenance worker.

The week after Ronnie received his honorable discharge from the Navy, he visited Mossy and Madge Presley. During this visit, he saw their niece Faye Glenn's senior picture. Ronnie and Faye became pen pals for two years before getting married on July 10, 1971. They embodied the true essence of marriage, and Ronnie often told her that he loved her "just a little bit."

Ronnie never met a stranger. He often started conversations by asking people, "Where are you from?" He loved Jesus, cherished his family, and, jokingly, expressed his dislike for the University of Alabama. Ronnie enjoyed coaching his daughter's softball teams and treasured the memories he created with all of his softball girls. He served in various ministry roles, including the jail and nursing home ministries. A hallmark of his ministry work was handing out Bibles and gospel tracts. An avid sports fan, he was passionate about watching the Auburn Tigers.

Services with military honors are 2 pm Saturday, January 4, 2025 in the Booneville Chapel of Kesler Funeral Home with Bro. Henry Kennedy and his son, Glenn Wenzel officiating. Burial will follow in the Siloam Cemetery. Visitation will be 12-2 pm Saturday in the Booneville Chapel of Kesler Funeral Home.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Faye Wenzel; his two sons, Glenn (Dawn) of Houston, TX and Anthony (Amanda) of Booneville; his daughter, Dr. Alison Rausch (Kevin) of Booneville; his two grandchildren, Geneva and Lane; his great-grandchild, Kaven; his three brothers, Joe Wenzel (Linda) of Panama City, FL, Gary Wenzel (Evelyn) of Foley, AL and Rod (Doty) of Tallahassee, FL; his sisters-in-law, May Rowland (Gerald), Betty Glenn and Sue Glenn of Booneville and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins, including John Hooks, who would call him every week.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers-in-law, Alvin, Russell and Timothy Glenn; his nephew, Craig Glenn and his in-laws, Alvin and Marcella Glenn.

Pallbearers are Tony Pannell, Eric Barnett, Jet Owens, Daniel Rowland, Keaton Reese and Lane Wenzel.

Honorary pallbearers are David Larson, JD Moore and Lex Crowson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to the Disabled American Veterans (dav.org) or a charity or church of your choice.

Condolences to the family may be made online at www.keslerfuneralhome.com