Ronnie Horsley

Ronnie Horsley passed away peacefully on Monday, August 15, 2016 in Tyler with family by his side. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at 11:00 AM at Rose Hill Cemetery with Rabbi Neal Katz officiating, under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. James Ronald Horsley was born December 30, 1943 in Tyler. He led a vibrant and joyful life, dedicated to his family, friends, profession, faith, and outdoor pursuits. Ronnie’s humor, warmth, and congeniality—his infectious laugh in particular—will be deeply missed. A proud Texan with a remarkable tolerance for the regional summer heat, Ronnie grew up in Tyler. He attended Hogg Middle School, Robert E. Lee High School, and Tyler Junior College before attaining a BA from University of Houston. He followed with a Juris Doctorate Cum Laude from South Texas College of Law. After practicing law in Houston at the Law Firm of Lapin, Totz & Mayer, Ronnie and his wife Janet moved their young family back to Tyler where he spent the next 38 years running his own law practice in general and civil litigation with an emphasis on commercial debt collection. Ronnie was a proud member of the Commercial Law League of America, Smith County Bar Association, State Bar Association, and College of the State Bar of Texas. He was well known for his work in the Bar’s Continuing Legal Education and Instructional Programs, Texas Justice Court Judges Association, District and County Clerks Association, and Sheriff and Constable Programs. Ronnie was well respected, not only in the State of Texas, but all over the country for his field of expertise. He was an active member of Congregation Beth El in Tyler, where he held a variety of leadership positions over the years. He served on the Board of the East Texas Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America and volunteered with the Scouts along with participating in other outdoor and conservation-related activities. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Bob Horsley. He is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 50 years, Janet; children Michael of Denver, CO and Allison of Christchurch, NZ; siblings Joe Horsley, Kay McManus, and Judy Horsley; and beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews and extended family. Following graveside services, family will receive friends at Congregation Beth El, 1010 Charleston Drive. Honorary pallbearers will include Mike Ballew, Dennis Darryl, Mike Gross, Anwar Khalifa, James Lee, Tracy Lisner, Kurt Noell, Jim Reams, Robert Schwartz, and Bob Skorkowsky. The family wishes to thank The Hospice of East Texas for their kind care in recent days. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Congregation Beth El, 1010 Charleston Dr., Tyler, TX 75703, The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701, Boy Scouts of America, 1331 E. 5th St., Tyler, TX 75701 or a charity of your choice.

Ronnie Horsley

December 30, 1943 - August 15, 2016