Norbie Joseph Ronsonet, 85, of Lake City, passed away on Thursday morning, April 27, 2023 at Haven Hospice – Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City after a brief illness. He was born in Biloxi, MS on January 30, 1938 to Howard Mitchell Ronsonet and Nola Maynard Ronsonet. He was a Graduate of Biloxi High School class of 1956. He was also graduate of the University of Alabama, where he played under a football scholarship under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1958-1960. He met and married his loving wife, Martha Ann Stephens during their college years. Norbie taught school and coached football at Murphy High School in Mobile, AL for five years; he then moved to Lake City in 1965 with his young family to join Tommy Stephens Buick. Ten years later, he became the Dealer of Ronsonet Buick and later GMC Truck.
He was an active member and President of the Lake City Lions Club since 1965. He was honored with a Melvin Jones Fellowship by the Lions Club. Norbie was also a member of the Columbia High School Quarterback Club as well as a member of the Elks Lodge #893, the Chamber of Commerce and was the recipient of the Business of the Year award. During his younger years, he enjoyed playing golf, hunting quail and deer, fishing and most of all, enjoyed sporting events. He had a generous heart and great sense of humor and loved his family dearly! He will be greatly missed!
He is preceded in death by his brother, Warren Ronsonet and daughter, Valerie Jo Ronsonet (Daddy’s Girl).
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Martha Ann Ronsonet of Lake City; sons, Norbie Stephen Ronsonet (Kelli) and Mitchell James Ronsonet (Leesa) both of Lake City; and his sister, Barbara Ronsonet Chatham of Ocean Springs, MS. Seven grandchildren, Justin Ronsonet Fulford (Gene), Aimee Ronsonet Williams (Brent), Kelbie Ronsonet, Leslie Ann Ronsonet, Kaylin Ronsonet, Malorie Ronsonet and Jaimee Ronsonet; along with two great-grandchildren, Ledger Williams and Abram Williams also survive.
A Celebration of Life Service for Norbie will be conducted on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 4:00 PM in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 3:00 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be considered to CARC or to the Lake City Lions Club in Norbie’s memory. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.