Willie Aaron Ranson was born January 11, 1937, in Baker County, Georgia. Bro. Ranson was the 7th son born to the late Yancy Ranson and Ivey George Ranson.
Willie attended public schools in Damacus, Georgia. Willie and Nettie were married on December 29, 1964. By God’s Grace and mercy, they were married for 58 wonderful years. To this union, were four children born.
Willie was the first black truck driver for Musselwhite Trucking Company in Forest City, Florida in the 70’s. He worked as a Cable Installer in the 80’s. In 1994, he began his last career with Orange County Public School. He was voted Employee of the Year 2007-08. Willie retired from OCPS in 2009.
He joined Tildenville Missionary Baptist Church in 1990 and was a faithful and dedicated member. Additionally, he served on the Board of Trustees.
Willie (Buddy) was an avid gardener. He loved and enjoyed working in the yard, growing fresh vegetables and fruits, and feeding his chickens. He loved spending time with his family and spoiling all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially Niles, his little buddy.
Preceding his death were, Brothers: David, Willie S, Yancy Jr, James, London Lee; Sister, Iona Revell; and Grandson, Kaleb Yancey Ranson.
On November 2, 2023, around 3:00 p.m. at Orlando Health, Jesus Christ our Savior saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb, so he gently closed his loving eyes and whispered, “Peace be Thine”.
He leaves to cherish his life’s memory: A Devoted Wife, Nettie Ree Ranson of Winter Garden, Florida; Two Sons: Kenneth Ranson (Brenda) of Minneola, Florida and Randy Ranson (Lydia) of Clermont, Florida; Two Daughters- Joyce Ranson (Jervis) and Sandra Ranson-Orr of Orlando, Florida; One Sister, Annie Mae Jenkins of Albany, Georgia; Sixteen (16) Grandchildren: Chantil, Shatara, Chaniqua, Jakiela, Chalaina (David), Deyjanira, Terrence Jr, Kenneth L, Jervis, Chiyanla, Kristian, Aaliyah, Malaysia, Zarianna and Sharmayne; Five (5) Great-grandchildren: Niyelli, Aurie, Niles, Gabriel and Ainsley Jr.; One Aunt- Alberta Huffman of Apopka, Florida; One Uncle, Charlie Carr of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Four (4) Sisters-in-law: Victoria Ranson, Winter Garden, Florida, Patricia Cratic (Melvin) of Damascus, Georgia, Lois Reddick Johnson (Donnie) of Forsyth, Georgia, and Joyce Reddick of Arlington, Georgia; Special Friends: Lonnie Jefferson and Jacob Brunson. A Bonus Son- Terrence Orr, Sr. and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.