Ronald Dean Willmon, 80, of Whitney, Texas, passed away on December 20, 2025, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born August 31, 1945, in Spur, Texas, to Pinkney Willmon and Bertha Ann Cooper, Ronald was the youngest of six children. Raised on a farm in Afton, Texas, and educated in Patton Springs, Ronald earned his degree in biblical studies from Abilene Christian College and his teaching certification at West Texas State University in Canyon. He spent much of his career teaching fourth grade at Motley County ISD, where generations of students knew and loved him as “Mr. Willmon.” Later, he taught ESL in the Texas prison system.
Ronald is survived by his wife, Geraldine Epting Lewis Willmon; his sons, Rusty Willmon (Ken Williams) of Austin, Texas, and Trent Willmon (Lizzie May Hager) of Burns, Tennessee; his granddaughter, Montana Popham (Harrison); two great-granddaughters; and Geraldine’s children and grandchildren.
Ronald was a man of deep faith who was passionate about hunting, fishing, canoeing and raising cattle and always was on the search for antique tops to add to his collection. Known for his easy laugh, tall tales, and oneof- a-kind spirit, Ronald never let the truth get in the way of a good story. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch.
