Ronald Martin

Ronnie Lee Martin of Saginaw, Texas passed away Sunday, September 6, 2020 in Fort Worth. Due to Covid there will not be a funeral at this time. However, there may be a private service at a later date.

Ronnie was born in Fort Worth, June 26, 1948 and grew up in Lake Worth. He attended schools in Lake Worth and later Weatherford Junior College. During his teen years he developed a passion for water skiing. After years of practice with his dad Bob, biggest supporter and boat driver by his side. Ronnie went on to become a champion water skier, winning world and national titles and a host of other tournaments. Some of his best times were at the lake practicing skiing with his dad, great friends Larry Leonard, Marty Gray and Mike Keith and a host of many others.

Ronnie was featured two times on WFAA by George Reba. Once when he was 32 and then when Ronnie turned 60. As friends and family knew he had so many trophies and ribbons it filled a room at his house. For 50 years Ronnie traveled the US competing in water ski tournaments. He was also featured in several Goode water ski magazine advertisements.

As many know, he was a very competitive athlete, not only in skiing. Also, in racquetball, tennis and any sport he participated in. He was even able to ride a unicycle well. Which the ham in him, just had to show his guests at his 60th birthday. Yes, he drug everyone outside to show his riding skills. His sister Sherry was a constant water ski companion growing up. Sherry remembers going to tournaments every weekend. Sharing the backseat with Ronnie, but actually Sherry had a sliver of the seat, and when she complained her parents would say, he needs his rest.

He was an avid sports fan and went to many of his brother-in-law Coach Gary's football games. There was also a story about on the way home from a football game in Abilene, when dad Bob left Sherry and Ronnie at a gas station by accident. They had to run down the service road to chase the car. Then there was a long quiet drive home. His older sister Sandra remembers the various funny escapades of her husband Bobby and Ronnie working on and talking about classic cars.

Ronnie and his wife Janet made a great life together in Saginaw starting in 2007. Then later married in Stephenville on October 1, 2016. Janet has commented many times, if more people were like Ronnie the world would be a better place. Friends and family would agree, he was a very kind, easy going and caring person. His mother Katherine said of his teenage years. I didn't have to worry about where Ronnie was. If he wasn't at home, he was at the lake skiing. His wife Janet contributes their great relationship to Ronnie's easy going ways,,, and he was always quick to smile and agree completely.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Martin, Katherine Martin and brother-in-law Bobby Bailey. His survivors include his wife Janet Keller of Saginaw and sisters Sherry Rushing and husband Gary of Azle, and Sandra Bailey of Bowie. Plus various nephews and nieces which live in the metroplex area.