Ronald Bruce Whitt Sr. passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, September 12th, 2016 after losing his battle with bladder cancer. Born in Red Jacket, KY on April 9, 1939, Ron (Ronnie to his family and friends) grew up in the little town of North Matewan, West Virginia.

His athletic talent and love of team sports lead to scholarships and his graduating from Salem University WV in 1962. Shortly after graduating he began teaching in Akron, OH. It was here Ronnie met Doris Townsend, who would become his best friend and soulmate; the two were married Feb 21, 1964.

Soon after they were married their first child was born, Ronald Jr, and the family moved back to Matewan where Ron and Doris taught and Ron coached football. In 1968, the family moved back to Ohio where their daughter Jacqueline (Jackie) was born. Ron taught for 33 years at Wadsworth High School where he was a beloved teacher and coach. Ron will be remembered by the thousands of students he taught and coached for his kind heart and genuine care for every soul he met.

As a father, grandfather and great grandfather, Ron will be remembered with joy and the deepest love. Ron’s tender care for others began at home where he was a model father. Again, he poured his life and heart into his children and grandchildren. As a friend, he was deeply loved by the people with whom Ron worked. Weekends were spent surrounded by friends and family enjoying life and each other’s company. Whether playing sports, fishing, watching games, shooting pool or taking weekend trips with friends, Ron lived a life of joy and fellowship with others.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother Christine, father John, brother John, his nephews Pierce and Mike Whitt as well as his sister-in-law Christine (Cricket) Whitt.

Ron is survived by his loving wife Doris, son Ron Jr. (and his wife Susan), daughter Jackie ; grandchildren: Alex (and his wife Heather), Sarah, Tristan and Shawn; and his great grandson Elijah (Son of Alex and Heather); as well as his brother Jimmy and nephews Jimmy Chris, Mark Whitt and niece Debbie

The family will receive friends 1-4pm Sunday, September 18, 2016 at the Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman St., Wadsworth where a memorial service will be held at 4pm.

.In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ron’s name to any of the following: Wadsworth-Rittman Health Center Auxiliary, 195 Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth, OH 44281, c/o The Gift Shop; Stephen Comunale Jr. Family Cancer Foundation P.O. Box 13805 Akron, OH 44333 (www.stephencomunale.org); or The Mary Grace Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 1822 Medina, Oh 44258 (www.racewithgrace.com).