Pastor Ronald Eugene Thompson

Pastor Ronald Eugene Thompson, 66, was called home to the Lord on September 25, 2025, at a local hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. He was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, pastor and devoted servant whose life was a testament to his unwavering faith and an exceptional intellect that inspired all who knew him. Ronald was born on January 2, 1959, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the late Eugene and Charlotte (Young) Thompson. A graduate of South High School in 1977, he would later study Electrical Engineering Technology at Kent State University and earn a Journeyman License in 1995. From an early age, "Ronnie" was an avid reader and loved to learn-a lifelong passion he never abandoned. He often went to the public library and even the library at Youngstown State University while still in high school to devour books on computer science, technology and anything science related. This deep curiosity defined his professional career. He worked at General Motors from 1977 until 2019, where he became a licensed Industrial Electrician working with robotics throughout the plant. His passion for innovation led him to co-found Ambassador Technologies, an IT and computer repair company. Ronnie was widely considered to be extraordinarily intelligent and possessed a wonderful, infectious sense of humor. He was also a Trekkie, who could relate almost anything to Star Trek, and even quote an episode. Ronald's true vocation began when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1977. He met his future wife, Cynthia Clardy, on a blind date in 1980, and they were married in September 1981, beginning a loving partnership of over four decades. He served as a minister at Shiloh Baptist Church until joining Rising Star Baptist Church in 1986 where he was ordained as an Associate Pastor. Ron served faithfully as the new members orientation director at Rising Star and for 3 years he was a major stabilizing agent at the church during a transitional season, serving as interim pastor. His dedication to being an effective teacher led him to study and teach Greek and Hebrew, constantly reading, learning and expounding God's Word. While serving in ministry, he pursued further theological studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as well. Ron was actively involved with the Steel Valley Baptist Association where he served as recording secretary. He was also significantly engaged in the work of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio serving as chairman of the state finance committee, responsible for coordinating the development of the state budget for the 400 plus churches of the convention. In 2014, the Lord led him to plant Mercy Community Church. As a founding pastor, he was committed to faithfully teaching God's Word, engaging the community with the Gospel, and making disciples. This commitment extended globally as he took two mission trips to Nairobi, Kenya, in 2017 and 2018, which led to the planting of Mercy Community Baptist Church there. This fertile church plant in Africa has since birthed 17 more churches in the Nairobi region. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Thompson and Charlotte (Young) Daniel; his stepfather, Elbert L. Daniel; and his sisters, Beverly Thompson-Beck and Valerie Carter. Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Cynthia Thompson; his sister, Atty. Kathy Thompson; his brothers-in-law, Bruce Watson and Darryl Clardy; and his nephews, Andre Thompson (Estella), Michael Thompson, Brandon Beck (Javae), and Darryl Clardy Jr. Services will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Rising Star Baptist Church, 2943 Wardle Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44505. Calling hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Pastor Ronald Eugene Thompson, please visit our floral store.