Ronald Whitis

Columbus

Ronald “Ronnie” L. Whitis, 73, of Columbus, died unexpectedly at 12:37 p.m. Sunday, April 30, 2017, at Columbus Regional Hospital.

Ronnie retired from the Golden Foundry after 38 years of service. During his time there, he was proud to be president of the local union #86 for a number of years. Mr. Whitis was also a member of the Masonic Jackson Lodge #146 in Seymour, Fraternal Order of the Eagles #741, and Moose Lodge #398. Ronnie loved golfing, playing cards with his buddies and watching racing.

Mr. Whitis was born Dec. 20, 1943, in Columbus, Indiana, to the late George E. and Virginia Faye Mount Whitis.

He married Betty Cody on June 1, 1963.

Survivors include his wife of over 53 years, Betty; daughter, Stacey (Mike) Lucas of Columbus; sons, James (Terri) Whitis of Kirkland, Illinois, and Brian (Julanna) Whitis of Nashville; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Harold (Alberta) Whitis of Tennessee, Clarence (Faye) Whitis of Columbus, Edith (George) Arthur of Kentucky, Dewey (Gail) Whitis and Euna (Bill) Jackson, both of Columbus, Ellis (Sherry) Whitis of North Vernon, Billy (Denise) of Florida, Lonnie (Debbie) Whitis of Elizabethtown, Larry (Connie) Whitis of Columbus; and several nieces and nephews.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Dalton Whitis and Karolina Spurgeon; brothers, Paul, Edward, Kenny, Bobby, Marvin and Lewey.

The funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with Pastor Martin E. Wright officiating. Calling will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Ohio Chapel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ohio Chapel Cemetery Fund.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Whitis family and a tribute video may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.