of Mayflower, AR
June 6, 1953 - August 9, 2024
Ronald F. Rolett was born June 6, 1953, in Brownsville, TN to Lum Rolett and Wilma Rolett.
In 1971, he married Rhonda Harrell and had two children, Jason and Leah.
Ron's love affair with the Boys & Girls Clubs began when he joined the North Little Rock Club when he was six years old. In 1977, he was the Club's delegate to the first Keystone Conference.
He held positions as Teen Director and Unit Director at the Club before being appointed as Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Prior to his retirement in 2016, Rolett served as Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Brazos Valley since 1990.
Rolett served on the task force to add Girls to the movement and change the name from Boys Clubs of America to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He was on the board of the Boys & Girls Workers Association and served as president for ten years prior to his retirement.
Over his 40 years as a professional, he mentored many young professionals, several of whom have moved on to other organizations. Three of his Club members have been recognized as the National Youth of the Year.
Rolett was honored with many awards during his tenure such as Jim Wetherington Southwesterner Award. To be considered for this award, an individual must, by thought, word and deed, be exemplary of the highest type of Boys and Girls Club professional. Rolett must have given 100 percent plus of himself in service to the development of Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Southwest Region and demonstrated initiative, imagination and creativity, along with the development of and sharing of program ideas, resource development programs and personnel programs.
Rolett was named to the elite group of Masters & Mentors in 2015. This prestigious award is the highest honor bestowed on Boys & Girls Club professionals by The Professional Association. The Masters and Mentors award was created to recognize and honor exceptional professionals who dedicate their lives to Clubs, have been integral to the success of the Boys & Girls Club Movement, and have shown a commitment to professional growth and excellence.
The Roletts were definitively members of the Boys & Girls Club family. Rolett's late son, Jason Rolett, was CEO at the BGC of Phillips County, AR. Jason passed away at age 41. For more than 10 years, his daughter Leah coached girls' basketball at the Club. Ron's brother, Dan Rolett, served as a BGC board member for the Clubs in Central Arkansas for several years - Dan was the 1979 national BGCA Youth of the Year.
On August 9, 2024, at the age of 71, Ron went to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents Lum Rolett and Wilma Rolett and son Jason Rolett.
Ronald is survived by his wife, Rhonda Rolett, of 53 years of Mayflower, AR; daughter, Leah Rolett of College Station, Texas; sister, Betty Huddleston (Jeff) of North Little Rock, AR; sister, Peggy Ayers (Tony) Conway AR; brother, Dan Rolett (Cheri) Mayflower, AR; granddaughters, Carter and Channing Rolett of College Station, Texas, and a host of family and close friends.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11:00am, at First Baptist Church of Mayflower, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at 10:00am. Burial will follow at Mayflower Cemetery.
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15 Condolence(s)
John and Judy Magee
Thursday, August 22, 2024
We were both saddened to see that Ron had passed and to see that we lived so close to each other and were not aware. Ron was so special to our family when he was at NLR Boys Club. He took our shy and insecure son and worked with him and turned him into a National Boy of the Year. Our son truly loved Ron. Please know how special Ron was to us, our son and so many other boys and their families. We are praying for all the family to have a peace that only our Lord Jesus can give.
Donnie Bakalekos
Monday, August 19, 2024
Ronnie was a special mentor and a person awe looked up to as young boys at NLR BC. We will never forget the wrestling trips. His family should be proud of his service.
Martha Garcia Opersteny
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Ron was a friend and a mentor, he helped me live a lifelong dream to work with young people. He made such an impact on the lives of so many young people and future professionals in our hometown. His love of all the club kids helped make Bryan what it is today. He taught us that we could all make an impact in the lives of others. Thank you Rhonda for sharing him with us. May the Lord continue to bless you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
Teresa Block Shrum
Friday, August 16, 2024
My prayers are lifted up for such a beautiful family. Decades of giving time and effort to Boys & Girls Clubs of America is something I remember you sing so well. Your brother, my friend and classmate Danny showed us all how important giving of your time was to those in need.
May you all find peace by the grace of our Lord and know that the communities you served remember your loving kindness. Sending my love to you all.
Richard "Ric" DiLella
Friday, August 16, 2024
My deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of my longtime friend and colleague. Ron was always upbeat and positive and a great example of how a man should conduct his life. He always had time or made time to assist anyone with whatever their situation, concerns or problems were. I was very fortunate to have met Ron early in my career and he provided me with a great example of how a Boys Club, now Boys and Girls Club, professional should conduct himself. I'm praying for his wife and family in their time of mourning. I will miss my friend and look forward to the time we will be together again.
Yloundas Washington
Friday, August 16, 2024
It saddens me to hear that Ron is gone. He was a legend here in Bryan,Tx. Ron was one of a kind. He didn't just work for the BGCBV he was the BGCBV. It wasn't anyone in the Brazos Valley that he didn't know. He offered me a job at the Club. Ron knew every kid and parent that came to the Club. If a kid told him that they had a game or a function in Bryan or out of Bryan and they asked him to come see them, Ron was there. He will be missed just as much as when he retired from the BGCBV. But never retired from being a great friend to this community. Ron my family and I will miss you. Rhonda and Leah I love you and will always . The Washington family
Marsha Anderson
Friday, August 16, 2024
We celebrate the life of a great man. My family and I are grateful for his leadership throughout his tenure at the Boys and Girls Club in Bryan, TX. What a great mentor for my children as well as Brazos Valley youths! My daughter, Alesia, is still part on the Boys and Girls Club due to his mentorship! What a servant leadership! Our condolences to the Rolett family. Ron will forever be in our hearts and minds due to the impact he created. With deepest sympathy and lots of love.
Marsha and Pat Anderson, Bryan, TX.
Eddie Armstrong
Thursday, August 15, 2024
I was deeply moved to learn of the loss of Mr. Rolett, a truly remarkable man whose presence made a significant impact on my life. In a moment when I needed a little more guidance and support, Ron stepped in with compassion and understanding, offering his wisdom and kindness without hesitation. I am forever grateful for the time we spent together, the laughter we shared, and the love he extended to me.
Ron's loving and generous spirit touched not only my life but the lives of many others. He welcomed me into his family circle with open arms, sharing stories and moments that will forever hold a special place in my heart. I am grateful for the love and encouragement he provided along my journey.
May God bless the entire Rollett family during this time. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Randy Jones
Thursday, August 15, 2024
So sorry to hear of Ronnie passing haven't saw him in years. But he was always such a super guy that will be missed by all that knew him. My condolences to the family. Rest in peace. Ronnie
Deborah Ramsey
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Ron was one of a handful of men that are these days - few and far between - he was a true gentleman. Anytime I had a question or needed advice - Ron was on my speed dial. He was one of a kind. He meant so much to the B&G Clubs of America and will be missed by all. Rest in peace my brother
Jon charles
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Ron was a leader of young people who dedicated his life to the principles of helping mentor and guide so many. He will be greatly missed by the entire Boys and Girls Club movement. Rest in Peace.
Tommy Davis
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Ron was a great leader for the Boys and Girls Club here and a very active member of our community. He touched more lives than I can even imagine and was a great role model for all the kids he was able to interact with over the years. He will truly be missed. It was truly an honor to serve on the board of directors under Ron’ leadership!
Karen Coleman
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
I can't begin to describe how much Ron Rolett meant to my daughters and me. All three daughters were B&GC of the Brazos Valley Keystone Club members and leaders at his direction and encouragement. Each girl attributes who they are today to his guidance and instruction - most times listening to him instead of me. As a single mom, I always felt that he was my ally when it came to advising them. We considered Ron and Rhonda part of the family and were blessed to have them at my wedding. I have missed hearing all of his ideas and plans since he retired. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and especially all he mentored. I'm so sorry, Rhonda and Leah. We love you, Ron!
Al Scott
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Sending my Condolences and prayers to Ron's family. I will miss you my friend. Ron you definitely made a difference in many people's lives. RIP my friend.
Woody Thompson
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Ron was a great leader for our B&G Club. He did so much good here and impacted so many lives. He will be missed.