Ronald Alton Hitchens Sr.

Obituary Ronald A. Hitchens, Sr., was met by a cloud of witnesses at Heaven’s gate on Sunday, March 18, 2018. The second child born to Donald Lee and Lorraine Hitchens, Ronnie began his earthly journey on February 5, 1956 in Seaford, Delaware. Ronnie received his early education in the Laurel School District, graduating from Laurel Senior High School in 1974. While in school, Ronnie excelled in sports, most notably playing basketball with his big brother Donnie. Their basketball performance often times would pack the gymnasium. They gained lots of fans, especially their younger cousins. After high school, Ronnie attended Delaware State College in Dover, Delaware. His early employment began at the DuPont Plant in Seaford and after leaving DuPont, he was employed with Perdue Farms in Salisbury, Maryland. Later, he was employed with the Laurel School District until his retirement. Ronnie’s laid back but gentle personality made him a friend to everyone he met. Ronnie was a lifetime member of St. Matthews First Baptist Church in Laurel, Delaware where he was baptized under the leadership of his grandfather, Reverend Richard L. Hitchens. Ronnie never forgot his roots and when he returned home, he was determined to do God’s will. He loved to praise and worship God – He knew this was his weapon. He had a pure and giving heart; he reached out to those in the community who were in need and he dropped seeds of hope to the hopeless. He understood what it meant to not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth. While at St. Matthews, Ronnie was a faithful and dedicated Trustee. He took pride in keeping up with the maintenance and grounds. He was meticulous about keeping the cemetery looking good. Whenever there was a need outside of his church, Ronnie was willing to help. He graciously volunteered at New Zion United Methodist Church where he helped with the Food Mission, provided maintenance at times as well as helped with their cemetery. He was joined in Holy Matrimony to Connie Brown and to this union are three children, Deon Brown, Ronald Hitchens, Jr., and Roniell Hitchens Trader. When he did take a break from ministry, he enjoyed watching non-stop Westerns on TV and his favorite teams – the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Francisco 49ers. However, his favorite pastime was spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially his grandson Denim. Denny would fall asleep on his Pop Pop’s chest, ride on the lawnmower with him, and he learned how to dance from him. They shared a bond like no other and a deep friendship grew. Ronnie leaves precious memories with: his wife, Connie; his parents, Donald Lee and Lorraine Hitchens; his children, Deon Brown, Ronald Hitchens, Jr. and Roniell (Dante) Trader; 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He leaves lifetime memories with: his brothers, Donald L. Hitchens, Jr., Michael D. Hitchens (Elaine), Kenneth W. Hitchens (Migdalia), Alan Carr (Jean) and Donald Thompson (Tammy); three sisters, Rochelle A. Camper (Kendall), Shirnelle Blango and Ashley Hitchens. He leaves memories with: his aunts, Gwendolyn Twine and Claudette Hitchens and uncles, Charles W. Hitchens and Eugene B. Puckham; sisters-in-law, Anna M. Hotten, Thelma M. Batson and Sandra D. Smith; brothers-in-law, Grisbeth L. Brown, William N. Brown, Verlon C. Brown, James A. Brown, Gregory L. Brown and Tony H. Brown. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by: his paternal grandparents, Reverend Richard L. and Alberta Hitchens; maternal grandparents, Richard and Louise Cooper; a brother, Tyrone Hitchens; In-laws, Preston and Ledella Brown; a close brother-in-law, Preston Brown, Jr., and most recently, a sister-in-law Sherry Graddic. Ronnie was “Called to the Streets” on this journey, and he fulfilled his assignment… Lovingly Submitted ~ The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Alton Hitchens Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Ronald Alton Hitchens Sr.

February 5, 1956 - March 18, 2018