Ronald Wade "Ronnie" Robertson, 61, passed away on June 3, 2015, at Greenwood Leflore Hospital after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in 1953, Ronnie attended Greenwood public schools and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1971 and from Delta State University in 1976, where he majored in political science and served as president of the student body. Only three years later, in 1979, he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives and served two terms representing voters in District 34. At the time he was the second-youngest person to be elected to the House.
He joined Delta Electric Power Association in October 1988 and took over as executive director when Harry Bonner, the previous director, retired in 2002. Ronnie was an active member of both local and statewide boards including Golden Age Nursing Home and the Mississippi Economic Council. In 2007 he was appointed by Governor Haley Barbour to the State Board of Health.
He had served as chairman of the Greenwood-Leflore Economic Development Foundation and was heavily engaged in the economic development efforts of this region, directly involved in recruiting several major industries to Leflore and Carroll counties. In 2010 he was named Outstanding Citizen of Leflore County by the Greenwood Lions Club for his commitment to the community. Ronnie was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees.
He is survived by his wife, Susan McRaney Robertson; three children, Robin Smith (Matt) of Greenwood, Ryan Robertson (Lauren) of Hattiesburg and Ronnie Wade Robertson (Aimee) of Gulfport; and five grandchildren, Matthew Ryan Smith, Millie Smith, Ben Roberts Smith, Wade Robertson and Woods Robertson.
He is also survived by his father, L.V. Robertson Jr., and brothers Russell Robertson (Carla) and Rickie Robertson, both of Greenwood, and Robbie Robertson of Oxford. He was predeceased by his mother, Martha Robertson, in 2001.
Wilson and Knight Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 7 tonight at 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church. The funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the church. The Rev. Glenn Seefeld will officiate.
Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery in Coila.
Pallbearers will be Hilliard Lawler, Will Green Poindexter, Bill Crump, Richard Morgan, Dennis Moss, Johnny Junkin, Reid Warren, James Kenwright, Mike Turner and Allan Hammons.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mary Ann Stevens, Norma Kilgore and employees of Delta Electric.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Greenwood or the Herb Kosten Foundation for pancreatic cancer support.