NEWPORT NEWS — This life’s journey for Ronald A. “Ronnie” Friend Sr. ended Dec. 24, 2020. Twelve years ago, the person he held in highest regard, his mother, passed on the same day.
A man of strong family values who looked beyond the surface of everyone he met, he displayed a cool, diplomatic demeanor and recognized quality in every person. He treasured his time with friends and family while always offering a joke that would fill him with infectious laughter.
Born in Petersburg to Mary Friend-Shields and Thomas Friend Sr., the family later moved to Newport News, and he graduated from Carver High School in 1968. He was born a natural artist and looked forward to his time spent with classmates over the years.
He was an expert in the automotive industry for over 50 years. He was often recognized for his impeccable work ethic and desire to create ease for others. He retired from the parts department of Casey Chevrolet in 2012 after a fulfilling career.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Friend Sr; mother, Mary Friend-Shields; infant sister, Marquita Friend; brothers, Thomas Friend Jr. and Kevin Friend; first wife, Ida Friend-Graves; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Friend, Loretta Manson, Jean (Cork) Christensen and Donna Granville; and nieces, Terri Trausch and Jaylynn Friend.
Ronnie is survived by his wife and partner of over 40 years, Jody Friend; son, Ronald (Sherrie) Friend Jr.; daughter, Robin Friend; grandchildren, Allen Friend, Britney Friend, Kaila Friend, Jalyn Friend, Jorden Piggott, Hunter Knight, Justin Miranda, Trinity Friend and Havier Knight; great-grandchildren, Ne’Vaeh Friend, Allen “A.J.” Friend, Luna Miranda and Paris Friend; nieces, Peggy Christensen, Lori (Dan) Stevens, Marla Granville, Eureka Perkins, Taleisha Friend, Taneha (Charles) Carter, Kevara Parker, Quanita (Maurice) Reaves and Kenyona Nash; nephews, Tycho Granville, Antoine “Tony” Manson, Delharty Manson and Kenny “Lukey” Manson. He was affectionately known as “Pop” to his extended children, including Valarie (Wendy) Knight, Jennifer Agnew, Derrick Robbins, and Collin and Cory McDowell. He is also survived by a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends, former coworkers and many others whose lives he touched. He also leaves his four lifelong friends to cherish his memory, Willie Boone, Michael Deloatch Sr., Bobby Knox and Terry Cason Sr.
Ronnie adored his family. He was present for the birth of each of his grandchildren. His moments of peace were often spent fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and teaching all of his children and grandchildren to do the same. He prided himself in being active with the children as a coach and never wanted to miss one of his grandchildren’s many sporting events. If anything was broken, you called Pop. He could fix it!
Pop found pleasure in landscaping his yard and upgrading his home — you’d never find the house the same. He was a die hard Philadelphia Eagles fan and loved the Virginia Cavaliers and Nebraska Cornhuskers. He was a man of many traditions surrounding family, and his favorite was Christmas Eve. The day was always set for a large family gathering as the soulful tunes of The Temptations Christmas album played in the background. This tradition will continue on with his loving memory every year.
The best compliment to receive in life is to be a good, kind, and generous person. And he was. Ronnie was one man in this world, but to his family he meant the world.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions at the time of Ronnie’s passing, services will be held at noon, Friday, May 21, at Weymouth Funeral Home, 12746 Nettles Drive, Newport News.
Contributions in memory of Ronald Friend Sr. may be sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or The Riverside Health System Foundation.
Share online condolences with the family at Weymouth Funeral Home.
