Ronald Reece Emmons

Ronald Reece Emmons, the most wonderful husband, father, Pappaw, uncle, brother-in-law and friend, passed away after a brief illness on July 22, 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at age 83. He was born to Reece and Gladys Emmons on February 21, 1941, in his grandmother's house in Canton, OK. Ron grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma, moved to Tulsa in 1957, and graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1959. He attended the University of Tulsa on a track scholarship, was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in December, 1962. He passed the CPA exam the following year, proud that both he and his dad passed at the same time. Several years after he started his career with Arthur Andersen, he entered into private practice, establishing his own firm of Emmons & Hartog, CPA's in 1971. Ron was particularly proud of his work over the years as a Certified Fraud Examiner and his time as President of the Oklahoma Society of C.P.A.s. Ron was also actively involved in law enforcement work for nearly 50 years, serving in reserve roles with the Tulsa Police Department and Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, and as a member of the Cold Case Unit. He was proud to wear the uniform and truly enjoyed both the work and the officers and deputies he worked with. Ron was also a military veteran, serving in the Air Force reserve for six years. He was an active alumnus of the University of Tulsa and a member of the Heritage Class at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church for over 50 years. Ron married his high school sweetheart, Ellie in 1962 They were happily married for 62 years and had three children and nine grandchildren. He is survived by his wife and sons Kevin (Amie), Brad (Jennifer), and daughter Carrie Dill-Figueredo (Miguel), as well as grandchildren: Owen Emmons (Kevin); Madison, Cooper, Logan, Brody and Lauren Dill (Carrie), and Amaury, Kate and Natalie Emmons (Brad) and niece April Soffel. He was preceded in death by his parents Gladys and Reece Emmons and his sister Peggy Soffel. Ron and Ellie were blessed with a most amazing group of close friends that came together in the early 1960s through the University of Tulsa and Boston Avenue. This unique group of friends has stayed close over the past 60 years, watching each others' families grow, traveling together, playing bridge together, and celebrating each others' achievements. In particular, Ron loved their annual trips to the horse races in Hot Springs, which they made for over 40 years. Most of all, Ron loved and cherished his family. He enjoyed traveling with his family, and some of their most fun times were camping at Greenleaf State Park or skiing and hiking in Colorado. The arrival of grandkids opened a whole new world for Ron and Ellie. He loved them so much and participated in many of their activities. A highlight of the year was the annual trip to Branson with the whole family. As much as Ron loved and cherished his family, his family loved and cherished him. Nobody could have asked for a more wonderful father, grandfather and uncle. He was loving, kind, thoughtful and generous with his time and attention. Every single member of the family knew they could count on Ron for whatever they needed, be it wise counsel, a good laugh, a hug when feeling down, just anything. His son Kevin said he had five words that best described Ron, "He's the guy you want.", whatever the situation. Truer words have never been spoken. Ron was always loved and respected, and will be missed dearly. The family would like to thank the special doctors and nurses at St. John's Hospital and the ICU nurses who took such wonderful care of Ron and were so caring to our family. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, August 8th at 10:00am at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations to the University of Tulsa or Boston Avenue United Methodist Church would be appreciated.

Ronald Reece Emmons

February 21, 1941 - July 22, 2024