Ronald "Ronnie" L. Minyard

Danville - Ronald "Ronnie" Minyard, 85, of Danville, IL, passed away on November 5th, 2025, in Gatesville, TX. He was born on May 22, 1940, to the late Luther and Pearl Minyard and lived most of his life in the Danville area. He attended Oakwood High School before serving in the Army Field Artillery, where he was stationed in Germany as part of the Cold War Initiative.

In 1972, Ronnie married Juanita Barrett Nixon in Las Vegas, NV. They lived a wonderful, happy life in Danville before moving to Anaheim, CA, in 1985. Ronnie retired from the Anaheim School District's Maintenance Department in 2005. He was a member of The Elks Lodge and Loyal Order of Moose, where he served as Governor at lodge #1853, in Anaheim, from 2000 to 2002.

Some of his favorite times were spent hanging out at "The River," fishing, camping, and sitting around a fire with family and friends. Ronnie also enjoyed playing in pool tournaments with Chuck “Johnny” Cooper (nephew) and fellow Elk’s members at Lodge #538 in Auburn, CA.

In addition to his parents and loving wife, Juanita, Ronnie was preceded in death by stepsons Mike & Mark Nixon and six siblings.

He is survived by his daughter, Rachelle "Rikki" Minyard (Gatesville, TX) and stepdaughters Karen (Charles) Dubois (Covington, IN), Bobbie Nixon (Swannanoa, NC) and Kathy Moore (Tilton, IL). Ronnie and Juanita were blessed with 27 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 43 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two nephews, Chuck “Johnny” (Glenda) Cooper (Auburn, CA) and Capt. William “Billy” (Honey) Cooper (Salinas, CA). Johnny, Billy & Ronnie, so close in age, were like brothers and virtually inseparable while growing up.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Ronald “Ronnie” Minyard will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL, 61834. Steve Pearson will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 10-11 AM prior to the service on Saturday, also at Sunset in Danville.

Please join Ronnie’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.