by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
On Monday, April 22nd I had the sad privilege of preaching
the funeral of Ronny Stubblefield, my good friend of nearly 50
years. Ronny and I were suite-mates during our years as students
at Freed-Hardeman University, and have remained very close in
all of the years ever since. Our families often traveled and
vacationed together, and our children were of similar ages. In
October 2022, we traveled together to Maine. You know, it’s not
just every couple you can do that with, and still be friends
afterwards! We had a wonderful time. During that trip, on the
ship at Plymouth, Massachusetts, Ronny felt a twinge of
dizziness, and we didn’t think much more about it at the time.
The next month he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a deadly
brain cancer. Two surgeries and numerous treatments later,
Ronny passed away on Thursday evening, April 18. When we
got the news, Marvina and I were at a motel in Jackson Tennessee, where I was
preparing for board meetings the next day.
Here is an excerpt from Ronny’s obituary: “Ronny was a middle school teacher for 32 years
and he was passionate about helping students grow in their knowledge. He was a Godly man with
a deep faith. He was an active member at Pennyrile Church of Christ where at various times he
served as youth minister, deacon, and elder. He cherished the opportunity to help young people
come to know Jesus and he was involved in various Christian youth activities such as Western
Kentucky Youth Camp, Celebration Youth Rally, Lads to Leaders, and VBS. Ronny had many
hobbies but his favorite thing to do was spend time with his family. He treasured every chance to
watch his sons play basketball as they grew up. He loved vacationing and playing games with his
family. He loved eating popsicles and doing puzzles with his granddaughters. He also loved
woodworking, gardening, music, and sports. He was the son of the late Ewing and Youlanda
McClure Stubblefield.”
Ronny had a good sense of humor, and at the funeral I shared many humorous incidents
from over the years. I then made this statement: “In almost 50 years of close friendship with Ronny,
I never once heard him utter a curse word, a swear word, a vulgar or off-color joke or remark; I
never saw him smoke a cigarette or take a drink of alcohol.” In choosing a mate, in raising his two
sons, in teaching Bible classes, camp classes, etc., and in all that he did, he took his Christian life
seriously—and he helped others, including me, to do the same.
Ronny had asked me over a year ago if I would preach his funeral. I committed to him then
that if there was any way possible I would do so, and I’m so thankful that we were able to make
that trip back to Madisonville, Kentucky and be there with his family at this difficult time.
Ronny’s absence is going to be a big adjustment for me because we used to speak on the
phone nearly every day. He was my sounding board, my confidant, and I was his. We were
“walking each other home.” I will remember Ronny Stubblefield always, and I now look forward
more than ever to that great reunion in the land which knows no parting.
Remembering My Friend, Ronny Stubblefield
