Ronnie Lee Efird
June 23, 1947 – July 24, 2025

Ronnie Lee Efird, 78, of Panama City, Florida, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on July 24, 2025. Born in Ft. Worth, Texas on June 23, 1947, Ron lived a life marked by unwavering faith, service to his country and community, deep love for his family, and a heart that gave
generously to all.

A proud veteran, Ron served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. He dedicated 30 years to the Department of Defense in contracting, logistics, and supply management, working in locations across the country including Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida, before
retiring in 1996.

Ron gave his life to Christ as a young boy while attending a Billy Graham crusade with his family. His relationship with Jesus grew and was central in his life. Though, he did not have a love for books, he loved studying his Bible and learning more about the Lord; the history of our
faith; and God's plan for his life. For more than 40 years, he faithfully served as an usher and on the security team at First Baptist Church of Panama City. Whether he was handing out bulletins, peppermints, or hugs, if you were sitting in the FBC balcony, he welcomed you with a smile.
Anyone who knew Ron knew he loved being out in the sun—working in the yard or fishing (and he did a lot of fishing). His home was a welcoming getaway for many, whether to swim, cast a line, or enjoy dinner at the rail at Schooners while watching the sunset. He was generous to a
fault—very much the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back, which he did, more than once. He was also a proud Texan and loved, and even loved hating watching his Dallas Cowboys each year.

Ron was a devoted father and a proud "Papa" to his six grandchildren. He loved staying up-todate on all their activities and could often be found burning up the highway in his 4Runner to attend birthday parties, baby dedications, ball games, musicals, and ballet recitals. The grandkids were always greeted with big hugs, a continual list of restaurant options (even after one had already been chosen), and words like "What?", "Don't know!", and "Thursday."

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, T. James and Anna Efird; his beloved wife, Diane; and their son, Philip. He is survived by two daughters, Lori (Bobby) Bowden and Julie (John) Gay; six grandchildren, Luke (Zoë) Bowden, Josh Bowden, Anna Bowden, Taylor (Johnny) McLaughlin, Leah Bowden, and Hailey Gay; one great-grandchild, Thomas; his brother, Jim (Delores) Efird; sisters, Carla (Jerry) Hart and Teri (Jeff) Houghton; extended family and countless friends who were more like family.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on August 6th at Wilson Funeral Home of Panama City, followed immediately by a celebration of life at 4:00 PM at the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ron's memory to Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, an organization with which he was honored to serve.