Ronald Wayne Kellam Sr., age 73, was born on June 23, 1952, in Dallas, Texas, and passed on July 10, 2025. The son of the late Tom Richard and Helen Clarence Burris Kellam.
Ronny went to school in Lewisville, Texas, where he married his high school sweetheart, Clarine Dollar, in 1970. He then joined the U.S. Air Force in 1971. They traveled the world together, stationed at Dyess AFB, the Philippines, and the Azores, and then again at Dyess in 1989. Ronny was a master mechanic on C-130s, retiring in 1995. He served during Vietnam, Desert Storm/ Shield, and Somila. Ronny and Clarine made their last move to Brownwood in 1996.
Ronny had many special gifts, but his passions were working with wood and taking care of animals. Creative and talented, he was more than just a carpenter; he was a true craftsman, skilled in every trade he touched. His hands brought life, beauty, and purpose to everything he worked on. When it came to wood, his artistry spoke louder than words.
Ronny is survived by his wife of 54 years Clarine Kellam, three sons, Ron Kellam Jr. and wife Tara, J.D. Kellam and wife Karah, and Jason Kellam, seven grandchildren, Kristen Kellam and husband Mike, Kyndle Kellam-Alderman and husband Gavin, Kane Kellam and wife Hannah, Kaden, Aaron, Crawford, Davin, Bellamy, and J.J., five great grandchildren, Taytum, Karter, K’lynn, Kash and Kynzley, mother-in-law Dorothy “Ninnie” Rhine, brother Tom Kellam and Ruth, sisters Rhonda Armando and husband John, Lisa Kay Shirk and husband Brian, Deanna Reilly and husband Steve, Joanna Striegel and husband Jerry, brothers-in-law Wayne Dollar and Wife Kris and Dale Dollar and wife Shawn, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ronny is preceded in death by his parents, Tom Richard and Helen Clarence Burris Kellam, sister Gladys “Sissie”, and Father-in-law Farrell “Papa” Rhine. He was a longtime member of Haven of Hope, a place that meant so much to him and held a special place in his heart. In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial donations be made to his church home, Haven of Hope, in honor of Ronny. Donations may also be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A Celebration of Life will be held July 18, 2025, at Brownwood Funeral Home, beginning at 10 am. Arrangements are under the direction of Brownwood Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownwoodfuneralhome.net.
