We sadly announce the passing of a beloved father and friend, Ronald "Ronnie" Brinegar, of Moody, Alabama. Ronnie passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, AL, with his son by his side.
Ronnie, age 53, was a big guy with a larger-than-life personality, unforgettable sense of humor and a knack for telling "big fish" stories. He was a cherished father and a loyal friend—someone who aimed to make everyone feel seen, welcomed, and included. He never met a stranger and had a way of making friends everywhere he went.
Born on October 31, 1971, in Somerset, Kentucky, Ronnie was the son of Ronald Fisher Brinegar and Beverly Joy (Stearns) Brinegar. He attended Warner Robins High School in Warner Robins, Georgia and graduated from Troy High School in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. He later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary.
In 1999, Ronnie married Stephanie Moore, and the couple had one son. Despite the marriage coming to an end, the partnership didn't. Ronnie & Stephanie remained close navigating parenthood together & became great friends.
Ronnie's passion for fishing led to a career with FLW Outdoors, where he worked as a fishing tournament director. In July 2010, a tragic automobile accident left him with a C-4 spinal cord injury and bound to a wheelchair for the remainder of his life. Despite this life-altering event, Ronnie never lost his spirit. He remained active, coaching from the sidelines and offering wisdom wherever he could. He faced adversity with strength, humor, and kindness.
A man of strong convictions, Ronnie never hesitated to share his beliefs. If he believed something, everyone knew it. If you were his friend, you knew it—he'd call you, sometimes several times a day, and if you needed anything, he would give what he had. He was selfless, passionate, and deeply loyal.
Ronnie's greatest joy and proudest role was being a father to his son, Fisher. More than father and son, they were best friends with an inseparable, unwavering bond. In 2023, Ronnie moved to Alabama for the sole purpose of fostering Fisher's dreams of playing football. He pushed his own physical abilities to the limit, and in turn, pushed Fisher in mighty ways. He dedicated his time and energy to analyzing game footage, networking with coaches, and guiding Fisher to reach new heights. His belief in his son's potential was evident in everything he did and in countless social media posts expressing his pride and true belief that his son would do great things. Ronnie loved fishing, football, and the Georgia Bulldogs—but above all, he loved his son fiercely.
We are comforted knowing that Ronnie was a man of faith. As a Christian, he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, and we look forward to the day we are reunited with him in eternal life.
Ronnie is survived by his son, Fisher Brinegar of Moody, AL; extended family, Stephanie and Mark McWha of Benton, KY; one niece and five great-nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Beverly Brinegar; sisters Veronica Joy Brinegar and Trisha Lynn Brinegar; and brother Richard Lee Brinegar.
Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Symsonia Baptist Church, 680 State Route 348 W, Symsonia, KY. Family may arrive at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service, officiated by Pastor Rick Miller, will follow at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made by charitable contribution to Symsonia Baptist Church in honor of Ronnie Brinegar at P.O. Box 343, Symsonia, KY 42082. If preferred, donations can be made at https://www.symsoniabaptist.org by choosing, "GIVE", then "Other" for fund. These donations will be used to support Ronnie's dreams for Fisher.
