Ronald “Ronnie” Franklin Christ, 81, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Monday, April 6, 2026, peacefully at home with his wife by his side. He is with Jesus now and at peace.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Westside Baptist Church in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with the Rev. Dr. Brent Duncan officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until the service hour at the church.
Mr. Christ was born March 29, 1945, in Tampa, Florida, to the late Frank Joseph & Loudell Raper Christ. He served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He retired from CSX Railroad after 35 years, where he was nicknamed “Dancin’ Bear” by his coworkers. Mr. Christ loved Mopar and drag racing his 72 Dodge Dart. He was a kind and humble man, a loving husband and father, and a friend to all. Mr. Christ was a member of Westside Baptist Church, where he served on the property committee for several years.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Patricia Christ; sister, Terry Green & James Colkin of Jacksonville, Florida; children: Kim Priester & Scott of Jacksonville, Florida, Renee Christ of Jacksonville, Florida, Ronald F. Christ, Jr. & Karissa of Springfield, Ohio, Rodney Christ & Melissa of Jacksonville, Florida, Celesta Kilpatrick & Pat of Baldwin, Florida; step-children: Anthony Anderson & Sandy of Fitzgerald, Rodney Reaves of Fitzgerald, Susie Mason & Jeff of Fitzgerald and Stephanie Pridgen & Chance of Ocilla; grandchildren: Austin Christ & Ashley, P.J. Kilpatrick, Elaina Kilpatrick, Austin Ellis, Deanna Powell & Shawn, Nicki Belleville & Dusty, Jessie Weber, Sonya Padgett, Hunter Christ, Macayla Christ, Daniel Christ, Deva Morin, Marcus Anderson, Annabelle Anderson, Rana Anderson, Rodney Reaves, II, Andrew Reaves, Blake Reaves, Colton Blanchard, Foster Dixon, Dustan Fletcher, Logan Mason and Dylan Mason & Averi and several great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Larry Christ and Donnie Christ, and a sister-in-law, Linda Christ.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the hospice nurses, Danielle and Kristy; and the nurses’ aides, Trina and Angela.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests those desiring to send memorials, please mail them to Westside Baptist Church, P O Box 391, Fitzgerald, Georgia, 31750.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.