Ronnie Jay Yell

Ronnie Jay Yell
Ronnie Jay Yell

Ronnie Jay Yell, 66, of Amarillo, TX died September 30, 2020.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd. Burial to follow the memorial service at Brookside Cemetery in Sayre, OK. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Amarillo.

Ronnie was born to Jay C. and Margaret Ann Yell on November 27, 1953, in Amarillo, TX. Ronnie graduated from Vega High School in 1972. He was a truck driver for most of his life and was due to retire in a few months from J. Lee Milligan.

Ronnie was a beloved husband, Dad, Grandad, Papa, Big Daddy, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to many. Most of his life-long friends knew him by his nickname, Aardvark, although the origins of this nickname have long been forgotten. He enjoyed playing golf and sneaking off with his grandkids to get ice cream. He was skilled in the art of jokes, storytelling, and trash talking. He loved to watch Texas Tech football and had a love/hate relationship with the Dallas Cowboys. He loved to watch them but hated Jerry Jones! One of his favorite pastimes was beating his Aunt Jessie and Uncle Marion in a game of cards. He was fond of watching old westerns and was a big fan of John Wayne. He was known for his love of country music, especially Merle Haggard.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Yell, whom he married on August 31, 2001. He also survived by his children: Veronica Luna and her husband Jeronimo, Jennifer Hickman and husband Tim, Kevin Kloiber, Kurtis Kloiber, Christy Witherspoon, Jennifer Hernandez and her husband Doug, and Billy Simmons and his wife Jessica; his grandchildren, Courtney Luna, Jaylynn Luna, Justin Luna, Kloe Kloiber, Emma Kloiber, Elia Kloiber, Kayla Witherspoon, Autumn Witherspoon, Hazel Witherspoon, Jada Slaton, Michael Hernandez, Dezreh Hernandez, Haven Simmons, Jackson Simmons, Quinton Hickman, and Katee Hickman; and great-grands, Finn Slater, Annabelle-Leigh Castillo, and Ryker Slanton. His sisters: Sharon Freeland, Barbara Gourlay, Sheila Winburn and her husband Jerry. His aunts and uncles: Marion and Jessie Kinsey, Frank Kinsey, Doug and Gaylia Causey, and Connie Nicholson. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 15 years, Janie Yell, Peggy Kinsey (aunt), Doyle Yell (uncle) Richard Pence (cousin), and Terry Doyle Yell (cousin).

5 Replies to “Ronnie Jay Yell”

  1. I’m Ronnie’s daughter, Roni Lynn. I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone for their condolences. My dad is, and will certainly continue to be missed. During the course of my dad’s illness, he required multiple blood transfusions. I think a wonderful way to honor my dad would be for those who loved him to donate blood (if you’re able). I’d also like to thank those who sent flowers for his funeral. During the commotion of the day, the flower cards were misplaced. I’m so sorry for this, but please know that your generosity did not go unnoticed.

  2. I never had the pleasure of meeting you Patricia and wish I had. I met Ronnie when he married my good friend Janie. We had some fun and fabulous times during those years. And yes he was a jokester and loved having a good time!! I will always remember that about him. So glad I got to visit with him on the phone a couple years ago. My deepest sympathies to the family. Rest in Peace Ronnie Yell. ❤

  3. A great nephew who knew how to have a good time. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. God gained a great guy.

  4. Ronnie was a sweet cousin, loved to play cards with him at our aunt Jessie’s house. He was funny, always had a joke or funny story to tell. He loved to talk about his grandchildren and always had pictures to share. I will miss him dearly.

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