Ronald (Ronnie) Keith Maggard, age 72 of Apopka, Florida passed away on Saturday April 18, 2020. Ronnie was born in Akron, OH on August 28, 1947. There had to be music playing in the background as he came into this world as music was one of the loves of his life. Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Paul Maggard. Ronnie is survived by his longtime love of his life; Gail Tinsley of Apopka, FL, Brother David Maggard of Mount Dora, FL, Sister Gloria Maggard of Johnson City, TN, Sister Sheila Maggard of Johnson City, TN and Brother Gerald and sister in law Jan Maggard of The Woodlands, TX. Ronnie was a proud uncle to Shelley Maggard Griffis of Longwood, Fl, Bethany Maggard Marshall of Spring, TX and Lisa Maggard of The Woodlands, TX. He was an awesome uncle to his nieces and he loved every minute he got to spend with them. Ronnie also had great nieces and great nephews which are; Evan Griffis, Austin Griffis, Kylie Marshall, Blake Marshall, Austin Marshall and Victoria Maggard. Ronnie loved animals and Lela his Black lab will miss him very much. Ronnie worked at Craft Boats in Orlando, FL and various other jobs until he found a place that really needed his talents. Ronnie became a fiberglass artist at Disneyworld where he helped build the Swiss Robinson Tree House until he started his own business which was Fad Signs that was established in 1985, in Apopka, FL. He continued working for Disney as a contract personnel and in his business of Fad Signs was when his real talent began to take off. He was an artist in every shape of the name. Along with his talent for arts, his real love of his life was music. Ronnie started his first band in High School and it was a 5 piece band called “The Swinging Cobras” and then later on “Tailgators” Ronnie played in various other bands throughout his life and those that knew Ronnie will remember the various bands in which he played. His favorite music was blue grass music. Ronnie was a musical master and played instruments from Guitar, Steel guitar, mandolin, fiddle and any other instrument with strings he could get his hands on. Growing up he taught many people how to play guitar but his most memorable student was when his brother Gerald wanted to follow in his footsteps. They loved to play music together and never missed out on an opportunity to show the Maggard talent off. Ronnie met many people in the music business and he had a lot of memorabilia that followed his footprints of places he went and people he met. Ronnie received many awards throughout his career in music and work, and one he was very proud of was in 1991 when Operation Desert Storm, The First Gulf War happened and Ronnie took it upon himself to start making T-shirts that said Operation Desert Storm. His shirts had a breathtaking real to life picture that got everyone’s attention and they were sold throughout the United States with large sales in Florida and Texas with the proceeds being donated to “United Way” Ronnie’s most recent award was given to him at the Apopka Proud Concert in April of 2019 where John Anderson and Sawyer Brown played. The Mayor of Apopka, FL -Bryan Nelson presented a Proclamation from the city of Apopka, FL to Ronnie. Ronnie was an “Apopka Florida Rock & Roll Pioneer”. This recognition couldn’t have come to him at a more deserving time in his life. Thanks to all who helped make this happen. Ronnie was a compassionate and very thankful for all he had in life. His struggle towards the end of his life is a testament of how he lived life to the fullest as long as he could. His family and friends will miss him very much but they will never forget all the fun, love and joy he gave to each one of them.
A celebration of Ronnie’s life will happen in the near future. The family will plan a celebration and post when this will happen.
Iris and Mike Darby says
My condolences to his family and Gail his love of life…he is in peace in heaven❤
Lonie Carter says
Ronnie Maggard was one of the best man I ever had the pleasure of knowing and calling you my friend
Judy Friedman says
My deepest condolences to Ronnie’s family. He was clearly a very accomplished man who lived life to the fullest. May his memory be a blessing.
Maria Johnson says
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends. Love and Prayers! RIP my dear Mr. Ron!
David Odom says
Had some good times with Ronnie. My sincere condolences to all his family. He will truly be missed.
Milford Steve Kirkland jr says
Ronnie was very loved by me and my dad . He will be surly missed by me and my family . Many prayers
To you Gail and the family. We’ll surly will miss him and his music
Mary Tryon Abled says
Sincerest sympathy to Ronnie’s loved ones. Prayers for comfort and peace. Cherish your memories.
Claudia Baker says
My heart goes out to his family and friends.. Sheila, his sister.. I know how close you two were.. Apopka will mourn your passing. You brought so much joy and fun to us with your music. Talented in so many ways, you will be missed by so many people.
Cheryl Barnett says
To the Maggards… I am so very sorry for your loss. Back in the Ronnie was like family to me. I remember him for his cooking skills..making veggie stuffed roasts with Buz Mos bbq sauce and deep frying turkeys at Thanksgiving. He will most surely leave many wonderful memories for the many lives he touched. He will be missed. Cheryl Barnett
Peter Correnti says
This world is a much lonelier place without Ronnie in it. I think Ronnie left a lasting impression on every person that met him. I am truly sorry for your loss Sheila. My prayers for you and yours.
Brenda F Maggard says
I had 24 years with Ronnie and he was the best man to me than there will ever be. He was a kind and generous man to all. His friendships will go on forever and he will remain in our hearts always.
May he be at peace now in Heaven making his music flow to all.
Joan Altizer says
I did not know of Ronnie’s passing until fairly recently. I was very sorry to hear about his failing health and his passing. Wishing all the family peace during a difficult time in this most difficult year.
Craig Cooper says
Ronnie was my dearest friend. I road in that 54 Ford of his, we gases it up and went to Daytona once and parked on the beach. He gave me a tattoo their and I still have it. He married my cousin and I also played rythm guitar and sang with his band for a while. I love this man he was my best friend. Rip peace my friend (Craig Cooper)
Craig Cooper says
Ronnie and I worked as teens making tomatoes crates, worked orange packing plants, picked guavas sprayed orange trees ,you name it we did it we played music together. I just found out when I searched his name. I’m so sorry Ronnie for not calling when I had chance. It was 20 years ago I drove from Alabama to visit.he ask me to stay. To me he was family. There is a time for all things, Ronnie was my friend….see you again one day!