Ronnie Mills Westbrook, known affectionately by some as Ron, was born on October 14, 1938, in Jamestown, Texas. He departed from this world on January 17, 2026, in Beaumont, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship, and cherished memories.
Ronnie grew up in Newton, Texas where he played football, baseball, basketball, and ran track for the Newton Eagles, and was also in the Newton High School Marching Band. He graduated from Newton High School in 1957. He then enlisted in the United States Navy where he served honorably, an experience that shaped not only his character but also his approach to life and service. After the Navy he began working at Pure Oil Refinery in Port Neches, and later got a job working in the lab at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Plant in Beaumont, Texas. Shortly after hiring on at Goodyear, he earned a Business Degree from Lamar University. He then moved from the lab at Goodyear to Human Resources where he remained until he retired in 2001. He later worked at Ritter Lumber Company at the Nederland, Texas store from 2009 until 2024. He worked in several departments at Ritter, the last few years as a front-door greeter. People from all over the Mid County area knew Ronnie because he would always greet them with a friendly smile and usually a story or two, or even three. He loved telling stories, and he amazed many with his knowledge of the precise location of every item in the store. He came to be known by many as “Mr. Ritter.” Throughout his career, no matter where he worked, he was respected and admired by colleagues for his diligence and integrity.
Ronnie married Clara Smith in Port Arthur, Texas on February 28, 1964. They took up residence in Port Neches, Texas where they raised their three children. They were devoted to each other until her death in 2018. Ronnie was a member of Central Baptist Church for thirty-eight years, where, in fellowship with his community, he found further purpose and joy. He served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, money counter, and general handyman for Central Baptist for years. His love for sports was well known among friends and family, and he shared this passion with those he cared about, often engaging in spirited conversations and friendly competitions. The saying “he never met a stranger” could certainly be applied to Ronnie Westbrook, and he had a joke or a story for nearly every occasion. His memory was as sharp as a tack and his recall of details was remarkable up until the very end of his life.
As a husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Ronnie cherished his family deeply. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Amy Nelson, and her husband, Steven, of Nederland; his son, Stephen Westbrook, and his wife, Ronna, of Jasper; daughter-in-law Karen Westbrook, of Lumberton; and his grandchildren, Sarah, Robyn, and Kevin Nelson; Tristan Westbrook; and Mollie, Aaron, and Ella Westbrook, who were the light of his life. Additionally, he leaves behind his brother, Kenneth Westbrook, who shared in Ron's countless memories.
Ronnie's proudest accomplishments were rooted in the love he held for his family and his ability to cultivate enduring friendships. He will be remembered not only for his steadfastness and support but also for the joy he brought into the lives of those around him.
He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 54 years, Clara Westbrook; his son, Michael Westbrook; his granddaughter, Emily Nelson; as well as his parents, Carl and Jewel Westbrook, five brothers, and three sisters.
A visitation honoring his life will be held on January 23, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Both services will take place at Central Baptist Church, located at 903 Avenue B, Port Neches, Texas. A graveside service will be held at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas following the service.
The family would like to acknowledge Ronnie's caregivers at Bonne Vie Rehab facility in Port Arthur, Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, and Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, as well as his home health nurses Jamie and Amy. Their care, dedication, and service to Ronnie over the last few weeks of his life are truly appreciated and will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael Westbrook Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Lamar University by going to https://www.lamar.edu/giving/index.html
Ronnie Mills Westbrook touched many lives, and though he has departed from this earth, his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those he loved and who loved him in return. His life is a testament to the strength of family, the importance of community, and the enduring power of friendship. May he rest in peace.