Obituaries

I lost my sweet Ronnie today, January 3rd, 2024. He is no longer confused or sad about his dementia. He now remembers everything with clarity. I am so happy for him.

Ronnie Appelbee was born December 24th, 1946 in McKinney, Texas to parents Neville and Lela Appelbee. He married Sara Elizabeth Andrews on January 8th, 1972. They spent 52 joyous years together, in a bond that was never broken. Ronnie received his Electrical Engineering degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and The University of Houston. He was a 51-year member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity in which he made lifelong friends.

Ronnie began his 41 year career in Power Line Construction and Distribution. First, at Texas Power and Light and then with RS Goodman Company, where he built the first catenary railroad in Texas, transporting lignite coal to the Martin Lake Power Plant. Then Temple Inland, Red Simpson Inc., and finally ending his career as Southwest Regional Vice President with Pike Electric. Ronnie loved nothing better than bringing the power “back on” in areas devastated by disaster. Floods, hurricanes, tornados, did not deter him. He was an excellent leader of men and respected by his peers.

Ronnie was proud to be a Marine but was always quiet about his service. Surprising to some, will be the fact that he played the piano quite well. He was an avid sportsman and loved all things outdoors, including hunting and fishing with good friends and spending time on his beloved Lake, Texoma. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents and four of his very best buddies, Larry and George from East Texas and Curtis and Dave, and dear friend, Marolyn, who also shared a love of Texoma. He is survived by Sara and his Taligirl.

Ronnie will be cremated with no services planned, as were his wishes. Sara hopes instead that those he loved will remember this splendid man with the best of memories.

You may sign the online guestbook at www.dannelfuneralhome.com