Ronnie Lee Reel, aka Ron-du, 67, passed away on September 15 from a sudden embolism at the home he once shared with his late mother, Evelyn Marks, in East Rockaway, NY. He was in the company of his lifelong companion, Deborah Brown, who found him deceased, unexpectantly.

Ron was born in 1955 in the Queen City of Charlotte, NC. He was the third youngest of five children to James William Reel and Evelyn Bell Reel Marks. In 1957, his family moved to Harlem and then to Brooklyn in 1962. He would eventually become the fourth oldest of nine children James and Evelyn would have; five girls and four boys. Six years later, his patriarch's death would entice Ronnie Lee to become the typical knucklehead kid who took delight in running the inner city streets during the 'Black Liberation Movement' of the 1960s. Thriving on their mother's social security as their primary source of income, the siblings —mainly the boys— found exciting ways to stay entertained, often ending up in wild or dangerous escapades. Ronnie ran with gangs in his teen years and boosted goods off freight trains. He found himself in and out of jail at a young age, failing to recognize his true purpose in life. Finally, after spending several years in prison, the course of his existence changed forever. Behind bars, he found safety in religion which gave him reflection and resolution; sometimes, we find meaning in the most challenging situations. His newfound faith and a praying mother, brother, and sister encouraged him to realize and accept his calling. He would go on to receive his Associate's degree, become a Certified Harm Reduction Counselor, and a Parson of the HIV ministry. He lived and served at the Acacia Network - Casita Esperanza, located in the Bronx, for over a decade, allowing his spiritual charge to usher him to the forefront and inspiring him to mentor and counsel kindred souls. Born with what many would consider strikes against him, Ron executed who he was in the depth of his valley and willingly accepted the importance of why he was born.

Ron hoped to lead people to the Lord and encourage his extended family to live a life, not of this world. This was the wisdom he gained from discovering biblical truths, having a relationship with our heavenly Father, and making a sound decision to become a fisher of men. He now joins his father, mother, brothers: Joe, Paul, and James, sisters: Dolores and Monica, nieces: Evelina and Brandy, and nephews: Shamar and Damari in the heavenly realms. He leaves behind his sisters: Gail, Matshell, and Sawana, his companion of 50 years, Deborah, son, Sean, grandson, Sean Jr, and known lovingly as Uncle Holly, a legacy of nephews and nieces: Monifa, Rahsell, Darsheen, Will, Makeba, Tiara, Jerome, Kisha, Shalimar, Tammi, Simone, Monique, James, Russell, Shani, Raymond, Alexandria, and Faith; many grand nephews, nieces, cousins and an entourage of extended family, friends and loved ones.

Ron understood that before the Lord formed us in the womb, He knew us, and before we were born, He consecrated us, appointing us as prophets to the nations. Once we are receptive to our godly subconscious, God's perfect timing grows our faith, and we are ordained to wait and trust in Him, making certain that He alone gets the glory and praise for bringing us through life's various trials. We are his artistry, and we were created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so that we should walk steadily in them. His plans are for good, not evil; to give us a future and hope because we know that for those who love God, all things will work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. ~2 Timothy 3-4

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ~Galatians 5:13

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