Ronald Louis Melancon Sr.

1934 - 2021

Ronald "Ronnie" Louis Melancon, Sr. peacefully passed into eternal life surrounded by his loving family on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the age of 86. Born December 17, 1934 to the late Lee Louis Melancon and the late Mildred Hebert Dufourc, Ronnie was a native and lifelong resident of Gretna, LA. He attended St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School and graduated in 1953 from Gretna High School where he excelled academically and athletically. Because of his athletic talents and speed on the field, Ronnie jokingly dubbed himself the "Gretna Flash", a nickname that followed him to his last day. In 1954, he enlisted in the United States Army Corps and was stationed at Fort Kobbe in the Panama Canal Zone. He was a Korean War Veteran and proud American. In 1956, he received an honorable discharge to attend Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and later continued his education at Tulane University with a focus of study in Business. In the early 1960's, Ronnie began what would become a very successful career in banking with Guaranty Bank & Trust, later Jefferson Guaranty Bank. He was the Vice-President of Lending and ended his almost forty-year banking career with Investors Bank & Trust. After his retirement from banking, Ronnie ventured into small business ownership and became the proprietor of Apple Office Supply Company, LLC in Belle Chasse, LA. In 2005, Ronnie fully retired to enjoy life with his family and friends. He possessed a sharp wit and was a natural at relating stories and anecdotes with interesting skill. His entertaining narratives were often published in the Smiley Anders column, "Dear Smiley". He was a sports enthusiast, an avid golfer, and a lover of music, especially crooning and jazz. He was a die-hard Tulane Green Wave supporter and fan. He held season football passes throughout his 70's and never wavered in his allegiance to the Green Wave. He had an impressive knowledge of history and current affairs. He was well-loved and affectionately known for his good nature and generous heart. His spirit and immeasurable love will carry on in the hearts of those left to cherish and honor his memory. He was the devoted husband of 36 years to his beautiful and dedicated wife, Phyliss France Melancon. He was the loving father of Lynn Melancon (Sally), Ronald "Ron" Melancon, Jr. and Melissa Jenner-Morris. Dedicated brother of Carol Lee Melancon Armstrong. Caring brother-in-law of Ludwig "Teetsie" France (Kathy), the late Emile "Jay" France (Julie), and Eric France, Sr. (Trude). Loving cousin Glenda Hebert Falcone (Joseph). Proud and doting grandfather of Evan Lutz, Joshua Lutz, Madeleine Melancon, Holden Melancon, Harrison Melancon, Abigail Morris and Tyce Melancon. He is also survived by a host of special nieces, nephews, dear cousins and lifelong friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering to be held at St. Cletus Church, 3600 Claire Avenue, Gretna, on Friday, November 19, 2021. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial gifts to the Tulane Athletics Green Wave Club. Visit https://tulanegreenwave.evenue.net/www/ev_tulane/ss/ev/DonationEntry?donationCd=GWC&linkID=tulane&locale=en_US&siteId=ev_tulane, or mail checks to Tulane University Athletics, 333 Ben Weiner Drive, New Orleans, LA 70118 or to the Wounded Warrior Project. Visit support.woundedwarriorproject.org or mail checks to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Please indicate that the gift is in memory of Ronald Melancon by writing a memo on your check or by completing that section of the online giving form. The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors and medical staff of West Jefferson Medical Center and Compassus hospice care for their professional, compassionate support and care.