Ronald William Houser

Ronald "Ronnie" William Houser of Abingdon left us for heaven last Thursday, December 19, after a courageous fight against leukemia. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Ronnie was born on September 18, 1958 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Patsy Ann White Houser and Clyde Joseph Houser. Ronnie was a devoted, witty and fun loving father and husband. His daughter, Karen Elizabeth, was his pride and joy. They loved hiking, miniature golf, and acting silly together. He leaves behind his best friend and wife, Debbie Ann Leathery Houser. Their love, shared interests, and time together created many treasured memories.

Ronnie was an avid collector of sports memorabilia. His life long dream came true when he became the owner of Southern Cards in Bristol. He loved buying, selling, and trading anything collectable. He also enjoyed the friendship and comradery of his fellow collectors.

Ronnie's passions included metal detecting, old TV shows, movies, music, tennis, and basketball. He spent many hours volunteering for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. He and his family devoted time each summer to the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Flagler Beach, Florida.

Ronnie's family would like to thank Dr. David Hurd and the bone marrow transplant team at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for all their tireless efforts not only in treating the disease, but getting to know Ronnie as a person, not just a patient. A special heartfelt thank you to Ronnie's nurses who lovingly cared for him throughout his battle.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Ronnie may make donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org/waystohelp), Be the Match bone marrow registry (bethematch.org), or Sea Turtle Conservancy (conserveturtles.org).