Ronnie Askew, Sr.

Deacon Ronnie Ray Askew, Sr. was born February 16, 1945 in Tallassee, Alabama to Woodrow and Carrie Hall Askew. He returned home to be with his Lord on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the age of 74 years.

Deacon Askew retired from CSX Transportation as a Trackman. He was a faithful member of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church for many years. He was a member of the male chorus and enjoyed serving with the Laymen.

In his spare time, Ronnie enjoyed fishing, gardening and working on cars. Most importantly, he loved spending precious time with family and friends. His family was his greatest accomplishment and his greatest joy. He will be remembered as a man with a funny personality who was always stylish and well-dressed.

Deacon Askew was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow Askew, Carrie and Henry Lawson; sisters, Mary Frances Smith and Helen Avo Griggs; brother, Walter Askew.

He leaves a lifetime of memories with his loving wife Debra Askew; daughters, Tracy (Freddy Jr.) Johnson, Saginaw, Michigan, Michia Donald, Atlanta, Georgia; sons, Ronnie Jr. (LaShaun Thomas) Askew, Louisville, Kentucky, Morris Donald, Detroit, Michigan, Robert (Shaneisa) Askew, Saginaw, Michigan; grandchildren, ShaRonda, Travon, Jazmen, Shalonda, Shania, Freddy III, Michael, Robin, Raven, Aliyah, Ryan, Jaylen, Jamal; great-grandchildren, Honest’E, Nasir, JaVoni; sisters, Sarah Canty, Peggy Prince, both of Saginaw, Michigan; brother, Thomas (Sally) Askew; aunts, Delia Smith, Bowie, Maryland, Catherine Hall, Saginaw, Michigan; goddaughter, Traci Douglas; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, including special friends, Elijah Hughes and Bishop Larry Davis.

The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Aniruddha Palya, Dr. John Hughes, Dr. Courtland Seavers, the Covenant Cancer Care Physicians Group, Brian’s House Nursing Facility, Messiah Missionary Baptist Church Family, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.