Ronald Joe Bryant

Ronald “Ronnie, Ron” Joe Bryant, age 77, of Yucaipa, California graduated his earthly life the morning of Saturday, July 19th surrounded by his family. Ron was born on June 14, 1948, at St. Francis Hospital in Lynwood, California, to Joe and Elarita Bryant. He was named after Ronald Abel, his father, Joe Bryant’s, WWII Army buddy. Ron was raised in Compton. He lettered in football at and graduated from Dominguez High School in 1966. He went on to earn an associate’s degree at Compton College in 1968, bachelor’s degree at California Baptist College (now University) in 1970, and completed graduate work through California Baptist College, University of California Riverside, and California State University Long Beach to become a lifetime credentialed teacher. Additionally, he played soccer while at CBC and participated in the Young Democrats Club.

Ron was a zealous historian. He was also enthusiastically active in his community. In 1966 he served at the Glorieta Baptist Conference Center in New Mexico. He volunteered on political campaigns including serving as the High Desert Coordinator for Jimmy Carter’s Presidential campaign in 1976. Ronald began volunteering for 29 Palms Park and Recreation in 1977 and was selected for the award of Outstanding Young Men of America. Over the years, Ron coached many soccer and basketball teams and managed a 29 Palms Little League team through Park and Rec. From 1972-1973, Ron taught at Lynwood First Baptist Church School. From 1973-2013, Ron taught at Palm Vista Elementary School in 29 Palms (37 years of 6th and 3 years of 4th grade). Ron served as Vice President of the Morongo Teachers Association for the Morongo Unified School District, facilitated numerous school talent shows, coached the school track team, acted as the advisor/sponsor of Student Council, and orchestrated many Field Days. He could often be found serving as yard duty and engaging in trivia opportunities with students for their chance to earn a popsicle.

Ron served as a nearly 40-year volunteer member of the Kiwanis Club as part of the 29 Palms, Greater Yucca Valley, and Hemet clubs, holding many elected leadership positions such as President and Secretary as well as Lieutenant Governor of Division 47 for the 2014-2015 year. Ron was passionate about students’ success as a teacher and supported K-Kids Clubs, providing many with the Hope of America awards to 6th grade students. Ron was a big supporter of the Kiwanis scholarship programs and the Family of the Year program. Ron stayed true to his faith in Jesus over his lifetime and faithfully attended and served at Palms Church in 29 Palms. He also acted in many plays at the local Theatre 29 including Guys and Dolls, The Pajama Game, Little Women, Oklahoma, and A Bad Year for Tomatoes.

In August of 2008, Ron met Nicole and in October of 2013, they married. Ron eagerly embraced his role as stepdad to Nicole’s four children, Hannah, Malakai, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Nearly 17 years together and 12 married, Ron and Nicole shared life’s ups and downs, cared for his mother, Elarita until her death, and navigated the process of raising a family. Ron was a steadfast rock and support. He is preceded in death by his parents and his stepdaughter, Hannah. He leaves behind his two younger brothers, Denny and Steve, and many family members and friends who will miss him greatly.

Memorial service information can be obtained by contacting Nicole or through email at: RJBMemorialinfo@yahoo.com