CPT. RONALD R. BATH, 72
U.S. Army
LAKELAND - Ronnie Bath, 72, passed away April 23, 2011 at LRMC due to heart failure.
Ronnie was born Dec. 14, 1938 in Lakeland, Fl to Waldo & Maude Bath. He retired from the U.S. Army with 32 years of dedicated service. During that time he was with the 5th Special Forces Group (Mike Force). He also flew the AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter. Among numerous awards, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star, 3 times, with the V for Valor.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo & Maude; brothers, Gerald (vet), Tommy (vet), Billy and a sister Dorothy. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda; sons, Jarrod (vet) and his wife Elaine, Dan (vet) and his wife Jen; grandkids, Kymberly, Brooke, Nathaniel, and Matthew; brothers, J.D. (Vietnam vet), Lemuel (vet), Benny (Vietnam vet), Mickey (Vietnam vet) and a sister, Debbie.
He was a charter member of Gibsonia Baptist Church. He graduated from Kathleen High School, lettering in baseball and football. He also graduated from Embry-Riddle College with a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering.
Ronnie was a quiet, unassuming, humble Christian who is and will always be missed tremendously by all who knew him.
Ronnie-Dad-Papa...we love you more than words can describe; we will never forget what you taught us. Goodbye we will see you soon!
The visitation celebrating Ronnie's life will be held tonight (Tuesday) from 5-8 PM at the Gentry-Morrison Northside Chapel. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the Gibsonia Baptist Church.
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