Ronald Irwin Means, Jr.

Ronald I. Means, Jr., affectionately known as Ronnie, was welcomed into this world on September 26,1968, in Akron, Ohio by his parents, Theola and Ronald I. Means, Sr.

Ronnie began his education at Steward Elementary school in Akron, before entering Ramah Seventh-Day Adventist school in Cleveland. Upon graduating from Ramah, Ronnie, along with many of his classmates from Ramah, enrolled in Pine Forge Academy, a Seventh-Day Adventist high school in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1986. Throughout his academic years, he was known for being kind, engaging, and a lot of fun. He was liked by both his teachers and his peers. Many of his classmates and childhood friends stayed in contact throughout his life.

From a young age, Ronnie had a strong interest in cars and upon graduating, he immediately and enthusiastically dove into his passion for restoring and selling vehicles and motorcycles. As a young entrepreneur, Ronnie had several shops during his career. His gifted craftsmanship produced works of beauty that were greatly admired and appreciated.

On April 21, 1991, Ronnie married the love of his life, Nerissa "Lynn", his wife of 34 years. From this union, they were blessed with two wonderful sons, Ronald I. Means III and Brandon L. Means. Life became even sweeter when his two adorable granddaughters were born.

Ronnie was a life-long Christian who loved God, his family, his friends, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a guiding light and father figure to many in the community. He found great pleasure and fulfillment in coaching youth sports until his illness. In addition to his passion for restoring cars, Ronnie also enjoyed music, action movies, and was an avid fan of professional basketball, baseball and football (Go Steelers!).

After a long and valiant battle with multiple formidable illnesses, Ronnie departed this life, but not our hearts, on April 2, 2025. He will long be remembered for his quick and witty sense of humor, kind heart, determined spirit, and the love he had for his family.

We love him beyond words and although our hearts are heavy, we look forward to the day when we'll see him again and there will be no more good-byes.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his precious second born son, Jerry Kenneth Means and his beloved mother, Theola Means.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his dear wife, Nerissa; two loving sons, Ronald I. (Shadai) Means III and Brandon L.(Asia) Means; three adoring grandchildren, Aria Means, Aniko Means, and Elijah Grice; supportive father, Ronald I. (Lilia) Means; a loving sister, Kellie (Gordon) Garrett; four devoted brothers, William "Poncho" Means, Kevin (Christine) Means, Karlos Means, and Luddie (Yolanda) Carmichael; and a host of family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations to be made to our GoFundMe page https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-means-family-in-their-loss or heartfelt cards can be sent to: Nerissa Lynn Means, 881 E. Archwood Ave., Akron, OH 44306. Your support and kindness during this time are deeply appreciated.

Visitation will be 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 17 , 2025 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Repast following services at Goodyear Heights Metro Park 2077 Newton Street. Akron, OH 44305

Thank You Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a floral piece, if so, we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much whatever the part. With sincere hearts, The Family of Ronnie Means

GoFundMe for Ronald Means
Web: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-means-family-in-their-loss