William Ronald Vann

William Ronald Vann, affectionately known as “Ronnie,” 82, of Pascagoula, Mississippi, peacefully departed this life on May 06, 2026, at SAAD Retreat Hospice Center in Mobile, Alabama.

Ronnie was born on January 20, 1944, in Beaufort, North Carolina, the seventh of twelve children born to the late William Howard Vann and Gertie Mae Ellison Vann.

Ronnie lived a remarkable and adventurous life. He grew up in Beaufort Nc, attended Queen street High School. At an early age, he relocated to Louisiana, where he worked as a mate on a fishing boat. His journey carried him across the Gulf Coast—from Moss Point, Mississippi, to Abbeville and Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Dauphin Island, Alabama. He also labored on oil rigs and tugboats, but through it all, he remained a fisherman at heart.

Ronnie was known as a hard-working man who was generous to both family and friends. He found great joy in sharing his culinary dishes with his friends and neighbors. In the later years of his life, he experienced a powerful spiritual transformation and developed a deep love for the Lord. He became a devoted member of The Extraordinary Church, under the leadership of Pastor Jimmy Lee Wilson. Ronnie found great joy in the house of God. Whenever the church doors were open—whether for Sunday worship, Bible study, or choir rehearsal—he could be found “in the number.”

Brother Ronnie remained faithful in attendance until his health began to fail. His life became a testimony of faith, love, and service. His favorite expression, “I’m blessed,” was not just something he said—it was something he lived. He often gave thanks to the Lord for turning his life around.

Ronnie leaves to cherish his precious memories: two brothers, Robert (Vera) Vann of Beaufort, North Carolina, and Brian Vann of Jacksonville, North Carolina; a host of nieces and nephews in North Carolina; his devoted niece Marion of Beaufort NC, devoted faithful Pastor Wilson, friends: Deacon Charles Meredith, Eric, Earl, and “Snake,” all of Pascagoula, Mississippi.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, William Howard and Gertie Mae Vann; his wife, Ruby Shelton Vann; six brothers, William Vann, Jr., Gerald Howard Vann, Eric Alphonso Vann, Nathan Earl Vann, and Richard Dale Vann; and three sisters, Barbara Vann Fisher, Margaret Vann Nolan, and Marilyn Vann Hacker.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Deaconess Nurses and staff in Biloxi, Mississippi, and to the compassionate caregivers of SAAD Retreat Hospice Center in Mobile, Alabama, for their care, comfort, and support.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Ronald Vann, please visit our floral store.