Ronald Gene Mooney, 79, of Lakeland died Thursday, November 23, 2023, after a long battle with liver cancer.

Ron was born to Billy and Dora Lee Mooney on May 6, 1944, in Canadian, Texas. A graduate of Palo Duro High School in Amarillo, Texas, and Wayland Baptist College in Plainview, Texas, he pastored Southern Baptist churches around the state of Texas before entering the field of capital fundraising for colleges and various nonprofits in Texas, Missouri, and Florida. In that capacity, he served Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, now known as One More Child, 1989-1994. After concluding his eventual consulting career, he and Marva returned to Lakeland in 2010 to live in retirement. His preaching, humor, laughter, and faith left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marva (Parr) Mooney, and two sons, Timothy (Angela) of Oklahoma City and Dane (Tammy) of Lakeland, as well as three grandsons, Ethan, Spencer, and Landry. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his brother Kenneth.

His family wishes to express appreciation for the support of friends near and far as well as to the staff of Watson Clinic Cancer Center, Cornerstone Hospice, and Lakeland Regional Health for their care and expertise during his protracted illness.

A graveside service was held at Oak Hill Burial Park in Lakeland, Florida, on December 2.

Memorial gifts designated to the Stitches of Love Ministry of Lakes Church in Lakeland, Florida, may be initiated online at https://app.securegive.com/lakeschurch/main/donate/category.