Ronald E. “Ronnie” Williams, age 72, of North Platte took the final checkered flag and crossed the finish line February 8, 2014 at his home. Ronnie was born April 14, 1941 in North Platte to Gene and Margaret James Williams. He graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1959. Ronnie worked as a mechanic for Shaner and Schram Auto Repair. On June 26, 1960 he married Deanna M. Dailey in North Platte. The couple moved to Colorado in 1961 where Ronnie worked for Davidson Chevy in Greeley and a Chevy Garage in Loveland. They moved back to North Platte in 1964 where he went to work at Joe Dye Ford and later Ellets Automotive. In 1974 Ronnie hired out on the Union Pacific Railroad as an engineer, retiring in 2004.
Ronnie was a car enthusiast his entire life, building his first rod at age 14. Ronnie raced drag cars and go carts, and was involved in racing sprint cars for 25 years, and through the years enjoyed restoring many street rods. He enjoyed his dogs, especially Charlie Brown, Jack and Jake, but not the cats!
Survivors include his wife Deanna of North Platte; daughter, Denise (Jim) Hohnholt of North Platte; son, Tommy (Julie Wilke) Williams of North Platte; grandchildren, Brogen Hohnholt, Chase Hohnholt, Whitney Williams and Ezra Williams; twin sisters, Shirley (Larry) Cohn and Sharon (Afton) Cash all of North Platte; brother, Don Williams of Arkansas: mother-in-law, Delores Dailey of North Platte; brothers-in-law, Dennis and Connie Dailey and Boonie and Liz Dailey all of North Platte; numerous other family members and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a son, James “Jimmy” Williams; father-in-law, Dean W. Dailey; and grandparents, Guy and Mabel (Beveridge) James.
Memorials may be made in his memory to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2014 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Casual attire is requested. Burial will follow at the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be noon until 9:00 p.m. today and 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.Wednesday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.