Ronald Woodrow Hoenstine Jr.

In the early morning hours of January 29, 2023, Captain Ronald W. Hoenstine, Jr., was welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father after living a life of humble service to his family, friends, church, and community. Ron was born on October 25, 1945, to Ronald and Betty Hoenstine in Windber, Pennsylvania. Being the eldest of six children, Ron took on the role of big brother wholeheartedly. He loved his brothers and sister dearly and always watched out for their wellbeing. Ron attended the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Geophysics in 1967 and a Master of Science in Geology in 1974. By far his greatest achievement while attending the University of Florida was meeting and marrying the love of his life, Elisa. Shortly thereafter, Ron and Elisa left the swamp behind and journeyed to Tallahassee allowing Ron to pursue a Ph.D in Geology from Florida State University, which he completed in 1982. Ron was always an exceptional student and despite earning straight A’s throughout his illustrious post-secondary educational career, he unfairly received one B because, as his professor unwisely stated, “One shouldn’t go through school having made only A’s.” Ron’s professional career was spent working at the Florida Geological Survey (FGS) for over 30 years. He started as a District Geologist and eventually rose to the position of Director of Coastal Research where he oversaw all FGS geologic research conducted along Florida’s coastline and coastal waters – a position he held for over 18 years. While Ron authored numerous publications on Florida’s environmental geology, paleontology, and hydrology, and conducted important geologic research for the State, he valued and remembered most the lifelong friendships that he formed with his peers at FGS above any accolade, grant award, or distinction. Ron also used his educational background to serve his country in the United States Naval Reserve for over 30 years. He served as the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Depots, NAS Pensacola and NAS Jacksonville. During this time, Ron developed the environmental program for the Reserve Naval Air Systems Command and served as the technical advisor to the advisory board overseeing the environmental cleanup at NAS Jacksonville. When Ron was not busy being a full-time Geologist and part-time Navy Captain, Ron devoted his time to being home with Elisa and their three children on the farm where he raised cattle and other livestock including chickens, goats, and horses. For Ron, mending fences, pulling calves, and realizing the hard way to fox-proof a chicken coop was not work. He truly enjoyed being outdoors and treasured the memories of his children growing up on the farm horseback riding, fishing, four wheeling, and, on occasion, shooting unsuspecting deer. Above all, Ron’s greatest legacy was witnessing his belief in Jesus as his Lord and Savior and pursuing a life that glorified Jesus. Even as a young child, Ron read his bible and prayed daily. He found a sense of duty in teaching and ministering the Word to his family and to others. In 1977, Ron and Elisa began attending Indian Springs Baptist Church. During their first attendance, Ron was asked to teach a Sunday School class for young married couples, which he graciously accepted. Over the next 45 years, his Sunday School class grew in numbers as well as in age, transitioning through the various seasons of life as the young professionals became more seasoned professionals and even wiser retirees. Coming full circle, near the end of his life, the last Sunday School class he taught was for the youth. Ron is predeceased by his parents, Ron and Betty Hoenstine, and his sister, Betsylyn Vanzant. Left to pick up his torch and carry on his great legacy of unconditional love and steadfast faith is his beloved wife of 49 years, Elisa, his three children, Ron Hoenstine (Krystle Hoenstine), Ashley Colvin (Justin Colvin), and Shaun Hoenstine (Rebekah Hoenstine), and his ten grandchildren, Nathanael, Felicity, Naomi, Vaughn, Luke, Collins, Veronika, Emma, Nora, and lastly, Charlotte, who was born hours after Ron’s passing. He also leaves behind his younger brothers who he loved dearly, Don, John, Clarence and Jim. Services to celebrate Ron’s life will be held at Indian Springs Baptist Church, 5593 Veterans Memorial Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32309, on February 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Indian Springs Baptist Church. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevishfh.com 850-385-2193)

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Ronald Woodrow Hoenstine Jr.

October 25, 1945 - January 29, 2023