"I did not know Ronnie personally but attended Tilden High School the same years as Ronnie.We had one class together, Geometry on Monday morning. I and friends went to every football game those years. We rooted for Tilden but the real reason for our attendance was Ronnie Blye. Watching him play was magic, his skills far exceeded any other player and so dominated play that we believed each time he had the football a touchdown was within reason. The Blye years produced many winning seasons and school loyalty soared. Each monday morning, after each winning game I arrived early for class, Geometry class, to wait and watch Ronnie Blye enter the room and take his seat. Always humble, never playing the hero, I will always remember him for those wonderful intoxicating teenage years. Thank you for the memories Fred Sorkin"
In loving memory of
Ronald Blye
December 28, 2016
Ronald Jerome Blye died peacefully at home with his family by his side on December 28, 2016 in Shoreline, Washington. He was 74 years old.
He was born on December 29, 1941 in Clearwater, Florida to Ernest Jerome Bliey and Veleta Constance Sims. He was a rare native Floridian and no matter where he lived in the country, he always considered Clearwater home. He attended Pinellas High School, but graduated from Tilden High in Brooklyn, NY.
Ronnie was a gifted athlete and was heavily recruited by many colleges and universities as one of the premier running backs in the country. He accepted a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame and subsequently played professional football for the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.
Ronnie married his high school sweetheart Harriette Williams on July 4, 1963.
Anyone who knew Ronnie would tell you that he loved and cared for people. That concern for others propelled him into a post football career in community relations and urban development. He would eventually transition into sales, in pursuit of achieving his dream of owning a car dealership.
In his later years, he turned his attention to his spirituality and was dedicated and baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on November 7, 2009. Ronnie zealously spent time in the ministry before illness slowed him down.
Ronnie is survived by his wife Harriette; daughters Ronda and Ronica (Matthew); grandchildren Levi, Malora and Susannah; his brothers Ernest and Herndon; his sisters Veronica, Nevada, Sheila, Sandra, Donna Loretta, Marsha and Susan. He was predeceased by his daughter Roni, his parents, and his brother, Carl.
A memorial will be held at 2pm on January 21, 2017 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1745 Weston Drive, Clearwater, Florida. A repass will follow at 3pm at the MLK Community Center, 1201 Douglas Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to help in the fight against Alzheimer's and dementia at alz.org or call 1.800.272.3900.
Words of comfort may be expressed for Ronald Blye's family by clicking on the Tributes tab just below their name.
Tributes
"I am truly heartbroken to hear about Ronnie. I went to Tilden High School with him, and he will always be remembered as an all-time great person. My deepest condolences to the entire family. Robert Silver"
"May Jehovah give the family peace and comfort in this time of distress. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jennifer Duncan "
"May Jehovah continue to provide comfort as we look forward to the Resurrection promise in the near future (Acts 24:15)"
"I only had the pleasure of meeting Uncle Ronnie a few times, but he was always gracious and kind to me. He was such an elegant man. I know he will surely be missed by his loved ones. May Jehovah, the God of comfort, bring comfort to all mourning his loss. Until we see him again. Michelle Duncan"
"Dear Harriette and Family: It is with great sadness that I note the passing of my Tilden HS teammate and friend. My sympathies to you all. Jay A. Kranis, New York, NY"
"Bro. Horace Larry Family on Jan. 17, 2017 Glenwood Rd Cong. Decatur, Ga. Friends of Clara Bly, Jeanelle and Johnny Lewis also a former co-worker of our Dear Sister Rhonda Bly who we also Love and miss from McMaster-Carr in Atlanta, Ga. To the entire Bly Family, may the God of all comfort Jehovah, continue to comfort your family as he does ours for He comforts us so that we may be of comfort to each other. Our prayers are for your spiritual endurance, strength and comfort as you each rely upon Jehovah keeping the thoughts of Rev. 21:3,4 in mind for Paradise and the return of our Love ones from death is just around the corner. We Love you all too."
"Ronnie is my cousin. We met very late in life. My contact with him he was a very giving man. During the time of my father's, Nelson Bly, death Ronnie and Harriet was there. He showed much respect and kindness to my mother too. I pray the family will be comforted with the fact that Jehovah the God of comfort will give the family what they need to cope. We love you all"
"Ronnie was an exceptional man, a person I always looked up to and one of the few people I considered a good friend. In all my years of knowing him, I never encountered him in a bad mood. He was always positive and in a good spirit. He was a very giving person and always willing to help where ever he could. I am going to miss him! God Bless!"
"Annie Scrivens-Battle from Clearwater Fl wants to send her comdolences to your family,we pray that God holds you and your family during this troubling time.Ronald was truly loved and we pray for Harriet's peace. "
"Ronnie's infectious laughter and cheerful nature has always brought Joy to everyone's lives that came in contact with him. Harriette I know you and family will miss him terribly, and so will I. However, we will continue to honor his memory and keep you in our prayers. You are not alone. We are with you. "
"I did not know Ronnie at all. I know Harriette. Knowing Harriette, I feel like I know Ronnie a little bit. Harriette is so special and she loved Ronnie so much. I then feel like I know Ronnie must be so special also. Harriette always speaks of Ronnie with such respect and love, I can then "see" him as she sees him - so tall and strong and kind and a man who walked tall among men and yet cared deeply for all those he walked among. I know God must be really happy to welcome him home and we will be happy to see him again when we go home too! I look forward to getting to know you in person Ronald Blye. Lauri Tauscher"
"The Dash I read of a reverend who stood to speak At the funeral of his friend. He referred to the dates on his tombstone From the beginning.....to the end. He noted that first came the date of his birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time That he spent alive on earth...... And now only those who loved him Know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own; The cars....the house....the cash, What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard..... Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left, (You could be at 'dash mid-range.') If we could just slow down enough To consider what's true and real, And always try to understand The way other people feel. And be less quick to anger, And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect, And more often wear a smile..... Remembering that this special dash Might only last a little while. So, when your eulogy's being read With your life's actions to rehash.... Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent your dash? ~Linda Ellis "
"Sorry for your lost. I lost my grandfather and I know what you are going through. Love you and keep smiling. God is in control. "
"Rest gentle man until all is new - you have so much more to do. We'll keep the faith and love the hope of seeing your smiling face again."
"My prayers and thoughts are with you my dear friend. "
"Ronnie will be so miss, but may all the good memories and times carry you day by day. Lean on Jehovah and he promises to help during difficult times like these. ( PS. 34:18; PS 147:3) Love, Evette"