Ronnie P. Batiste

Reflections of Life “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1 “A Time To Be Born” Ecclesiastes 3:2 Ronnie Paul Batiste entered this world on June 24, 1951 to his late loving parents; Raymond and Irene G. Batiste in Baton Rouge, LA. He was the 9th of a fruitful family of sisters: Gloria B. Jones of Coronado, CA; Lois B. Cockerham, Hilda B. Cooper, Georgia B. Davis and Genette N. Wright of Baton Rouge, LA. and brothers: Larry Batiste of Columbus, GA and Raymond Batiste of Stockton, CA. He is regretfully preceded in death by siblings: Herman Batiste, Douglas Batiste, and Evelyn B. Weaver. “A Time to Love” Ecclesiastes 3:8 Ronnie was joined in holy matrimony with Charlotte Grissom Batiste, adoring wife of twenty years. Their lives were enriched by a son, Derek Paul, and from a previous union, Meoshie and Ricardo Paul. “A Time to Change” Ecclesiastes 3:3-8 As a diligent student, Ronnie commenced his early education at Reddy Elementary, and completed his secondary education at McKinley High School Class of 1969 in Baton Rouge, LA. He fulfilled his higher education through his years as an Army Sergeant Major. “A Time to Serve” Ecclesiastes 3:8 In 1969, at the age of 17, Ronnie yearned to follow his older brother, Larry, in serving our country with the United States Army. His spirit was crushed as his father would not sign the application to allow Ronnie into the service. He promptly enlisted as he was of age and began a lifetime of devotion to the U.S. Army. He had the honor of fighting in Vietnam side by side with his brother. His honors include a Tour in Vietnam, Germany (twice), Hawaii, and Kuwait. His tenacity drove him to complete rank of Sergeant Major and fulfill duties as a Drill Sergeant and First Sergeant. January of 1995, he retired from the military at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. In 1998, he began a second career as a Corrections Officer at Rogelio Sanchez State Jail. He decided to enjoy a well deserved retirement in 2009. “A Time to Say Goodbye” Ecclesiastes 3:2,4 Ronnie was called home on Friday, May 20, 2011.