Minister Ronnie Hardee was born to the late Dannie Hardee Sr. and the late Annie Lois Hardee. He was also blessed enough to be nurtured by his loving stepmother, who has passed from this life, Lucille Hardee. Ronnie’s first years were spent living in Zephyrhills, Florida prior to the Hardee family moving to Kissimmee, Florida, which became his long-time home.
He leaves to forever cherish beautiful memories his very loving wife, Dorthea Hardee and his pride and joy Ms. Roniesha Hardee. Also, the Lord saw it befitting to bless Ronnie with a very special bonus daughter, Shelley Gordon, who will also hold loving memories dear. Ronnie was the youngest of six children and was preceded in death by his brothers Dannie Hardee Jr. and Roy Lee Hardee as well as his step-sister, Patricia Kemp. Left to cherish and forever hold dear his loving memories are his sisters: Loistine Hardee (Ohio) Betty Hardee Kindell (Florida) and Donnie K. Condry (Florida), as well as his step brothers, James Kendricks and Stevie Kendricks.
Also left to share their precious memories are a host of very special cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who, Ronnie held close and loved dearly.
Ronnie was called to serve the public at an early age. Upon graduation from high school Ronnie spent time serving in the United States Military. After exiting the military, Ronnie became a public servant for the Florida Forest Service. He then spent time serving the public, working for the City of Kissimmee. In 1988, he began working as a lineman for Kissimmee Utility Authority, where he retired after 26 years of service.
Besides his labor, Minister Ronnie Hardee was also called into Ministry in 1994. Throughout the years, he was very involved in many ministry outreach programs. He served as a Deacon at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for many years, and was involved in the Male Chorus and with the Youth Ministry there. Along his journey in ministry, he was entrusted by Pastor Melvin Jenkins to be the Assistant Pastor at Harvest Time Ministry. Ronnie extended his ministry beyond the walls of the church by going into the community and reaching those that may not have otherwise received the Lord’s message. As founder of the Non-Profit organization S.T.E.P – Striving Towards Enormous Possibilities, Minister Hardee also mentored numerous youth over the years. His mission was to instill the love of Christ, love of self, and sense of purpose into everyone he ministered to.
Ronnie also had an unwavering passion for the advancement of his community. As the former President of the Osceola Branch 5121 NAACP, he advocated for equal civil rights and justice for those to whom it was denied. He also served as a State Committeeman for the Florida Democratic Party representing Osceola County. His mission was to seek out and support candidates whose vision was aligned with the advancement of his community. He also engaged and educated voters to promote a higher voter turnout. Additionally, Ronnie was a founding member of the Black History Heritage Choir organized by the Osceola Visionaries, Inc. Through his love for people, ministry, and humanitarian efforts, he proved himself to be a true leader.
Although Ronnie had many passions, he had no greater love than that for The Lord and his family. He loved being a support to the community however, nothing pleased Ronnie more than spending time with his family and his Savior.
Now he has passed on to continue rejoicing with those he has missed. Because he loved them all, there are too many to name. However, we know that there was a glorious greeting at Heaven’s Gate, which included Dannie Sr. and Annie Lois, Uncle Charlie, Uncle Ivy, Uncle Carlice, Dannie Jr., Roy, Doris Jackson, and his dear friends Cleve McCall and Mike Fulmore. We imagine Ronnie and Roy are debating whether the Steelers or Dolphins will win the Super Bowl this year. All is well, because we know that who the Son sets free, is free indeed. Rest in peace our Dear Ronnie. Until we meet again.