Ronnie Burrell

RONNIE BURRELL was born on July 12, 1946 in Turner Station, MD to Bernice (Farley) Burrell and the late Otis Lee Burrell. Ronnie grew up in Turner Station, MD, singing with friends from the neighborhood. He was one of the best dancers, always sharply dressed and could hold his own. He graduated from Sollers Point High School in 1965. After high school he was drafted into the Army in 1966 and served for two years. In 1968, Ronnie began an apprenticeship at Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) in Baltimore. Over the next four years, he completed his training and became a Journeyman electrician. Shortly thereafter, he began his career at Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) as an electrician where he worked fro more than 30 years. While employed at BCCC, he seized the opportunity and studied several courses in health and humanities earning a certificate as a counselor. He retired from BCCC in 2009. Ronnie married his childhood sweetheart, Sandra Greene in 1968 in Turner Station, MD. They were married for twenty-four years, and she still remains the love of his life. He will be missed by his five children: Ronnie, Kimberly, Medina, Omar and Takiyah. As a doting father, he would affectionately tell his children to “be strong”. They understood it as “be courageous” – that’s what Ronnie demonstrated. He had a spirit that enabled him to face fear and the unknown with confidence and resolution. He was a true leader of his family, and his courage is part of the legacy he leaves behind. Ronnie became a member of the Nation of Islam in his early twenties, and later became an orthodox Muslim acquiring the name Raheem. He made the pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca, Saudia Arabia in the early nineties. He was at his best when he counseled others through life’s difficulties. As a seeker of knowledge, he was an avid reader of history and religion. He enjoyed roller skating, hand dancing, playing the piano, and spending time with family and friends. He was a board member for the Men of Belief, an organization that promotes social, cultural, economical and spiritual development within the community. Ronnie’s memory will be cherished by his loving mother, Bernice Burrell; Sandra Burrell; his sons, Ronnie and Omar Burrell; daughters, Kimberly (and Anttwine) Parrish-Jenkins, Medina (and Michael) Rashid, and Takiyah Burrell; his devoted brothers and sisters, Catherine Raheem, Arthur Burrell, Queen Esther Tynes and Glen Burrell; his last wife, Deborah Kennedy-Burrell; fourteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and countless caring friends.

Tributes

Ronnie Burrell

July 12, 1946 - February 9, 2013