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Celebrating the life of

William "Will" Ronning

Passed away on October 05, 2019

William

William Lawrence Ronning, 48, passed away Saturday at his home with his devoted family by his side.

Will, who was known by many names (most of which are related to a funny story), was a 1989 graduate of Savannah Christian Preparatory School, where he served as class president for a group of people who would remain friends for life. He was a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, where he received a degree in Risk Management and Insurance in 1991. While at UGA, he served as secretary of his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. After graduating from UGA, Will opened an Allstate Agency in Augusta before working for Policy Management Systems Corporation in Columbia, SC. But Will’s commitment to risk management went beyond his professional life. He utilized his academic training fully throughout his life, developing a legendary reputation for frugality and risk aversion.

After mastering the insurance business, Will elected to attend law school and received a Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 2001. He accepted a position at Bouhan, Williams, and Levy, LLP in Savannah, where he eventually became a partner before embarking on a third career in 2011 when he partnered with his friend, Gary Nesbit, at Coastal Medical Billing. He became the sole proprietor of that business in 2016.

Will was active in the Savannah community, graduating from Leadership Savannah, serving as a member and past Captain of the Savannah Quarterback Club, and dedicating his time and considerable intellectual resources to a United Way allocation panel and Savannah Board of Zoning and Appeals.

Those are the facts and details about Will Ronning’s life, but they don’t begin to tell the story of Will Ronning. Will was an unforgettable figure, a character who created a lasting impression with anyone who spent time with him. He was widely respected as a culinary genius who could grill or smoke virtually any meat to perfection. He could bring a room of people to a roaring laughter with one well-timed pithy comment or even just one of his trademark quizzical facial expressions. He was well liked and well known, but he didn’t seek or need the approval of anyone. His unkempt hair alone was a topic of frequent conversation at parties, and he was often seen wearing a red University of Georgia visor that sat perfectly at the right angle. Many people are described as one of a kind, but Will Ronning truly lived up to that compliment every day.

Speaking of the University of Georgia, Will ardently loved Georgia football alongside many long-suffering friends who traveled with him to Sanford Stadium and begged the Dawgs with him while watching games in houses, bars, on docks and porches throughout South Georgia. Like most of his peers, his love/hate relationship with the Georgia Bulldogs was bordering on unhealthy, and it was perfectly natural for Will and a friend to talk about the team’s prospects on a Tuesday afternoon in April at the post office. In Savannah, Will Ronning was as much a part of Georgia football as Herschel Walker, Larry Munson or Vince Dooley.

But more than all of that, Will was an exemplary father, husband, son, brother and friend. He is survived by his wife, Beth Tumlin Ronning, his children, Julia Carr Ronning and William Maxwell Ronning, his mother, Patty Lawrence Ronning, his sister, Alison, and his brother-in-law, Danny Mahfet, niece, Grace Mahfet and nephew, Joe Joe Mahfet, his in-laws, Bill and Sherrie Tumlin, brother-in-law Charles Tumlin, and sister-in-law, Casey, and two nieces, Jennings Tumlin and Claire Tumlin, a nephew, William Tumlin. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will miss him and cherish their memories of him. And last but certainly not least, his dog, Ruby. Will was predeceased by his father, Dennis William Ronning.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 11, 2019 at the Greenwich Cemetery Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Savannah Quarterback Club, the #55 Fund at Savannah Christian Preparatory School or the Mesothelioma Research Foundation at www.curemeso.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

I had the opportunity to get to know Will through my business, The Therapy SOT. Will was always such a kind, friendly man and we always knew we could count on him! Will was so helpful over the years with our medical billing and I always enjoyed our conversations!! He will be greatly missed!! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Caroline Bowman and The Therapy SPOT TEAM

- The Therapy SPOT, Statesboro, GA

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Ronning from doing hearings at the hearing office for the boe. He was a pleasure to be around. I was looking on FB and his picture came up. I am numb he adored his children. I would run into him during Halloween on ardsley park dressed with his whole family. He will be missed. I will be praying for your family.

- Deidre johnson, Savannah, Ga

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Ronning from doing hearings at the hearing office for the boe. He was a pleasure to be around. I was looking on FB and his picture came up. I am numb he adored his children. I would run into him during Halloween on ardsley park dressed with his whole family. He will be missed. I will be praying for your family.

- Deidre johnson, Savannah, Ga

We loved Will and his family. Gail enjoyed having him as a boss and a friend. Tom enjoyed his friendship too, seeing him often at noontime during lunch with Gail. Always enjoyed talking to him about sports, and consulting with him whenever we had legal questions. We will miss him greatly.

- Tom and Gail Rash, Cartersville , Ga

Will was a one of a kind, great young man who will be missed by all..Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Jules and Nancy

- Nancy Paderewski, SAVANNAH, GA

Patty ... so sorry to learn of Will's passing. As you and your family continue on without him, please remember the good times and find strength in those memories that will last forever. I never knew Will but reading about his love of life and family/friends, I'm sorry I missed that opportunity. Our thoughts are with you all.

- Stuart/Linda Silver, Hilton Head Island, SC

My deepest sympathy to Beth and family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

- Clare Frew, Savannah, GA

I was privileged to teach Will in 2nd grade at SCPS. He was one of the students you never forget because he was smart, polite, and full of personality. That cute little round face brightened my days with that memorable 2nd grade class. My sincere condolences to Will’s family.

- Karen Durkin, Rincon, Ga

Julia, I am So very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. I understand the sorrow and pain since happened to me about the same age. My Dad was only 42 when he passed away. If you ever need to just talk and need someone to listen; you should have my cell number 912-507-1330. We will pray for you and your family during this difficult time.

- Coach Grimes and Family, Savannah, Ga

My love, thoughts and prayers are with you, Beth, and all of the family. Will is at peace, this i know and believe. Love. Joanie Heyward,

- Joan M. Heyward, Bluffton, South Carolina

So sorry to hear of the loss of Will. May God bless you Beth and your entire family at this sad time in your life My prayers will be with you.

- Ann Donaldson, Thunderbolt, Ga., Ga.

I taught Will in middle school. He was one of my favorites. His exemplary life was cut short way to soon. My sincere condolences to his family. Elaine L. Williams

- , ,

We are fortunate to have known Will since he began dating Beth. What a beautiful family he leaves behind. Our hearts are broken for you all.

- Cathy and Frank Lepik, Atlanta, GA

"Sometimes there’s a man who, well, he’s the man for his time and place." I enjoyed every second of every minute I spent with Will Ronning. Thoughts and prayers for all of the family.

- David Graham, Charleston, SC

Praying for the entire family during this hard time. Will was a great guy and will be missed.

- Holden and Caroline Hayes, Savannah, GA

To Patti Ronning, Danny Mahfet and family. My sincere condolences on your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

- Al Pace, Savannah, GA

I am so very sorry for everyone in Will's family. This is such a great loss. Will was a very special man and truly one of a kind like his Dad.

- Harolyn sullivan, Savannah, Ga

Enjoyed reminiscing via pictures on SCPS Facebook page for our reunion. Even though I couldn't make it, was great seeing all those people who did. Was one of the few who got to enjoy Will's company all 12 years of school. He will truly be missed. May he be embraced by the arms of the Lord. Prayers of comfort to all who were lucky enough to know him.

- Teresa Norman Blackstone, Marysville, Ohio

My thoughts are with you and your family.

- Margaret Holbrook , Savannah , Ga

The Savannah Quarterback Club will be one somber place tonight. Will touched many of us that because of age differential only got to know him through the Club. He was a great leader and will be sorely missed. Will loved giving me hell as a Tech guy, and he was very good at it, too. Yet he had the personality that it never came across as mean-spirited. Your family will be in all of our thoughts and prayers

- Tom Hussey, Savannah, GA

My thought and prayers are with you Patty

- Susan Myers, Savannah , Ga

Will was a good friend to everyone. Will fought the battle the battle won.

- Bob and Brandon Cornwell, Savh, Ga

So sad to hear of Wills passing. During my years in the construction industry he handled all of my closings and other matters. He was also available to help. He truly was honorable and a pleasure to work with. I will be praying for your family. God bless. Catherine Johnson

- Catherine (Keen) Johnson , Savannah , GA

I had the opportunity to get to know Will through my business, The Therapy SOT. Will was always such a kind, friendly man and we always knew we could count on him! Will was so helpful over the years with our medical billing and I always enjoyed our conversations!! He will be greatly missed!! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Caroline Bowman and The Therapy SPOT TEAM

- The Therapy SPOT, Statesboro, GA

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Ronning from doing hearings at the hearing office for the boe. He was a pleasure to be around. I was looking on FB and his picture came up. I am numb he adored his children. I would run into him during Halloween on ardsley park dressed with his whole family. He will be missed. I will be praying for your family.

- Deidre johnson, Savannah, Ga

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Ronning from doing hearings at the hearing office for the boe. He was a pleasure to be around. I was looking on FB and his picture came up. I am numb he adored his children. I would run into him during Halloween on ardsley park dressed with his whole family. He will be missed. I will be praying for your family.

- Deidre johnson, Savannah, Ga

We loved Will and his family. Gail enjoyed having him as a boss and a friend. Tom enjoyed his friendship too, seeing him often at noontime during lunch with Gail. Always enjoyed talking to him about sports, and consulting with him whenever we had legal questions. We will miss him greatly.

- Tom and Gail Rash, Cartersville , Ga

Will was a one of a kind, great young man who will be missed by all..Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Jules and Nancy

- Nancy Paderewski, SAVANNAH, GA

Patty ... so sorry to learn of Will's passing. As you and your family continue on without him, please remember the good times and find strength in those memories that will last forever. I never knew Will but reading about his love of life and family/friends, I'm sorry I missed that opportunity. Our thoughts are with you all.

- Stuart/Linda Silver, Hilton Head Island, SC

My deepest sympathy to Beth and family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

- Clare Frew, Savannah, GA

A candle has been lit!

- Kelly Kilpatrick Hunt , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Jim and Karen Blakewood , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- JeanMarie Randall , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- JeanMarie Randall , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Katherine Johnson , Georg

I was privileged to teach Will in 2nd grade at SCPS. He was one of the students you never forget because he was smart, polite, and full of personality. That cute little round face brightened my days with that memorable 2nd grade class. My sincere condolences to Will’s family.

- Karen Durkin, Rincon, Ga

A candle has been lit!

- Anthony, Tricia, Logan and Dylan Hunt , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- her Norris , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Perossa family , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- McCarty Family , Georg

Julia, I am So very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. I understand the sorrow and pain since happened to me about the same age. My Dad was only 42 when he passed away. If you ever need to just talk and need someone to listen; you should have my cell number 912-507-1330. We will pray for you and your family during this difficult time.

- Coach Grimes and Family, Savannah, Ga

A candle has been lit!

- Kelly Shea , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Joan Heyward , South Caro

My love, thoughts and prayers are with you, Beth, and all of the family. Will is at peace, this i know and believe. Love. Joanie Heyward,

- Joan M. Heyward, Bluffton, South Carolina

So sorry to hear of the loss of Will. May God bless you Beth and your entire family at this sad time in your life My prayers will be with you.

- Ann Donaldson, Thunderbolt, Ga., Ga.

A candle has been lit!

- Susan Sharpe , Georg

I taught Will in middle school. He was one of my favorites. His exemplary life was cut short way to soon. My sincere condolences to his family. Elaine L. Williams

- , ,

A candle has been lit!

- Ed and Joy Garvin , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Richard & Ann Lutz & Family , Georg

We are fortunate to have known Will since he began dating Beth. What a beautiful family he leaves behind. Our hearts are broken for you all.

- Cathy and Frank Lepik, Atlanta, GA

A candle has been lit!

- Angela Creasy , Georg

"Sometimes there’s a man who, well, he’s the man for his time and place." I enjoyed every second of every minute I spent with Will Ronning. Thoughts and prayers for all of the family.

- David Graham, Charleston, SC

A candle has been lit!

- Maria & Tom Sayers , Georg

Praying for the entire family during this hard time. Will was a great guy and will be missed.

- Holden and Caroline Hayes, Savannah, GA

To Patti Ronning, Danny Mahfet and family. My sincere condolences on your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

- Al Pace, Savannah, GA

A candle has been lit!

- Jennifer and Blake Young , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Trey and Jennifer Wagner , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Jean McRae , Georg

I am so very sorry for everyone in Will's family. This is such a great loss. Will was a very special man and truly one of a kind like his Dad.

- Harolyn sullivan, Savannah, Ga

A candle has been lit!

- Tamra Nasworthy , Utah

A candle has been lit!

- Dan and Susan mahfet , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Melissa Friday , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Deepa Paramesh , Georg

Enjoyed reminiscing via pictures on SCPS Facebook page for our reunion. Even though I couldn't make it, was great seeing all those people who did. Was one of the few who got to enjoy Will's company all 12 years of school. He will truly be missed. May he be embraced by the arms of the Lord. Prayers of comfort to all who were lucky enough to know him.

- Teresa Norman Blackstone, Marysville, Ohio

My thoughts are with you and your family.

- Margaret Holbrook , Savannah , Ga

A candle has been lit!

- Shannan Daily Flathman , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Demetria Campbell-Porter , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- had Routhier , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Melissa Bowen , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Doug Ronning , South Dako

The Savannah Quarterback Club will be one somber place tonight. Will touched many of us that because of age differential only got to know him through the Club. He was a great leader and will be sorely missed. Will loved giving me hell as a Tech guy, and he was very good at it, too. Yet he had the personality that it never came across as mean-spirited. Your family will be in all of our thoughts and prayers

- Tom Hussey, Savannah, GA

My thought and prayers are with you Patty

- Susan Myers, Savannah , Ga

Will was a good friend to everyone. Will fought the battle the battle won.

- Bob and Brandon Cornwell, Savh, Ga

A candle has been lit!

- ol Ray , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Brittany "Larry" Herring , Georg

A candle has been lit!

- Rhonda and Dan Sills , Georg

So sad to hear of Wills passing. During my years in the construction industry he handled all of my closings and other matters. He was also available to help. He truly was honorable and a pleasure to work with. I will be praying for your family. God bless. Catherine Johnson

- Catherine (Keen) Johnson , Savannah , GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200