Ronald Wayne Ellison Jr.

1969 - 2025

Ronald Wayne Ellison, Jr.
Born: June 24, 1969
Died: August 25, 2025
Ronald Wayne "Ronnie" Ellison, Jr., age 56, passed away suddenly on August 25, 2025 at his home. He was born June 24, 1969, at Loretto Hospital in Cicero, IL, and was the oldest of 3 children from the union of Donna (Frazier) and Ronald Ellison, Sr. He grew up in Elwood and migrated with the rest of his family to Morris, IL, in the mid-1990's. Ronnie attended Joliet Central High School Class of 1987.
Ronnie began working in the masonry industry at a young age. His love of cooking and perfecting his love of smoking meat and sharing that talent with the community was his true pride and joy with his business, Ron's Pork Shack in Morris IL. After fulfilling his dream and letting the world taste his food, then satisfied, resumed back to doing masonry work and still cooked for his family and friends with that same passion.
Ronnie loved his music. He loved his Judas Priest, Ozzy, and Led Zepplin to name a few but particularly loved the band KISS and attended many events for those bands and some unmentioned. His son remembers his love of fireworks and his love to drive fast and listen to his rock music
Ronnie was raised on fishing at a young age, introduced by his father and they attended many Bassmaster tournaments together. To know Ronnie was to love him. He will and is so dearly missed and will always be remembered as the toughest guy you'll ever meet, but the biggest heart to all who truly knew him. He loved his Italian heritage which he took pride in. He had a charisma about him, and way that let you know where he stood and why.
He is survived by his only son, Joseph Ellison; mother, Donna (Frazier) Ellison; sister, Kelly (Ellison) Stapleton and cherished younger brother, Jimmy (Amy) Ellison, who's bond was unbreakable. He is also leaving behind his significant other, Kena Gretz, whom he shared the last thirteen years with; her daughter, Morganne Gretz and son, Cody Gretz, which led him to be a proud Papa of River Gretz, and spent countless hours and love with his grandson. Also leaving behind his best buddy and family friend, Marc Anderson; his loving nieces and nephews, Melissa Stapleton, Tiffany Klimara, Katy (Klimara) Willis, Keith Stapleton, Jr., Alexis (Ellison) Haish, Mckenzie Ellison, Mason Stapleton, and Chaser Ellison, whom loved their uncle dearly, and he them.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Ellison, Sr.; grandfather, James Frazier, with whom he had a special bond; and grandmothers, Gemma Frazier and Faye Ellison Jordan.
He was a dear friend to many and held so many friendships and acquaintances… too many to fathom. He left an impact on everyone he met. He was passionate and a force to be reckoned with and will be remembered for his beautiful smile and laugh.
Visitation of Ronnie will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until time of remembrance at 8:00 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive in Morris.
For information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.