Ronnie Gene Harrelson

Ronald “Ronnie” Gene Harrelson

Ronald “Ronnie” Gene Harrelson, 83, lifelong Custer County resident, was born April 27, 1943, in Clinton, Oklahoma, to Vernie and Laoma (Huey) Harrelson. He passed away early Sunday, August 30, 2026, in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Ronnie was raised in the Stafford and Clinton areas. He attended school at Stafford through his freshman year before transferring to Clinton High School, where he graduated in 1961.

On January 19, 1963, Ronnie married Frances “Francie” Hutton at the Independence Methodist Church near Custer City. Together, Ronnie and Francie shared 63 years of marriage, building a life centered around family, hard work, and their Custer County community.

Ronnie began working at a young age, with his first job being at J.C. Penney in Clinton. He later worked for a short time at Teel Chevrolet before beginning what would become a long career with Anoilco Oil Company. As part of his work with Anoilco, Ronnie operated the Phillips 66 service station in Clinton. For many years, his station was a familiar place in the community, and Ronnie took pride in providing true full-service care to his customers. His Phillips 66 was the last full-service station in Clinton, and while operating the station, he also rented Ryder trucks.

After leaving the service station in 2004, Ronnie wasn't quite ready to slow down. He went to work for SportChassis in Clinton, where he spent the final 14 years of his working career. Altogether, Ronnie built a reputation as a hardworking and dependable man who enjoyed staying busy and being around people.

Service to his community was also important to Ronnie. He volunteered with the Clinton Fire Department for 20 years, giving his time to help protect his neighbors and community. He also served two terms as a member of the Clinton Public Schools Board of Education.

When Ronnie wasn't working or serving his community, he had plenty of interests to keep him busy. He loved trap shooting and was a member of the NRA. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and working in his yard, taking pride in keeping things looking just right.

Ronnie also loved motorcycles and the freedom of the open road. He enjoyed getting on his motorcycle and taking off on long trips across the state, putting miles behind him and simply enjoying the ride. Whether he was at work, tending to his yard, enjoying one of his hobbies, or heading down the highway on his motorcycle, Ronnie was a man who liked to stay active and make the most of his days.

Above all, Ronnie's greatest and most lasting legacy is the family he leaves behind and the many years he shared with Francie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernie and Laoma Harrelson; his brothers, Calvin Harrelson and Gilbert Harrelson; and his sisters, Letha Sawatzky and Edna Digby.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Francie Harrelson, of the home; his son, Terry Harrelson and his wife, Lisa, of Weatherford; his daughter, Tracie Harrelson, of Custer City; his sister, Geneva Digby, of Amarillo, Texas; his brother, Herman Harrelson, of Clinton; four grandchildren, Kylee Sawatzky and her husband, Kale, Holden Harrelson and his wife, Payton, Gage Harrelson, and Henzlee Harrelson; as well as other extended family members and many friends.

Funeral services for Ronnie will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, officiated by Bo Vowell and Doyle Kinney. Burial will follow in the Union Hatchett Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Lee Hometown Funeral Home.