Ronnie Viss to be remembered, celebrated by family, friends, community

By LYNETTE SOWELL 
Cove Leader-Press 

Ronnie Viss packed many hours into many years of service during his lifetime, and on Friday and Saturday, and in the times to come, the local community along with his family and friends will remember and celebrate his life. 
Viss was the 2021-2022 president of the Exchange Club of Copperas Cove, and had been a member for more than nine years, his fellow Exchangeites confirmed as the board gathered for a meeting on Monday evening. They remembered him as always “being about the children,” in keeping with Exchange’s mission of supporting organizations that help prevent  child abuse. 
Fellow Exchange Club member and current club secretary, Barbara Mims, shared about her friend and fellow volunteer. 
“I met Ronnie when I first joined the Exchange nine years ago, and I sat across from him every meeting.  He hugged all the women when they came in. He was very dedicated to the Club and was always willing to help whoever needed it. When no one ran for president, he took the position again because he wanted the club to thrive. He was always willing to do whatever was needed. The Club will miss him.”
Viss, a devout Christian, also went on mission trips to places like south Texas, to the town of Penitas, where he volunteered with Emily, his daughter, friend Kevin Keller, and Keller’s son. The quartet went with Gatesville’s First Baptist Church to help build a house while others taught VBS.
Keller shared as one of Viss’ friends and likewise gave a statement on behalf of the City of Copperas Cove .
“Ronnie Viss was a beloved personal friend of our family for 10 years and it was a privileged honor to know and have him in our lives. We are deeply saddened with his sudden loss and miss him tremendously, however our faith leads us to know Ronnie now lies peacefully in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that we will one day reunite. Our continued prayers remain with his loving family and many friends who share in our grief,” Keller said, also stating that he could certainly “provide a book on thoughts and feelings” about his friend. 
“On behalf of the City of Copperas Cove, Mr. Viss was a very faithful and dedicated public servant, serving in various volunteer capacities over the past 10 years. He brought great knowledge and experience to the Citizens Police Academy, Citizens Focus Group, and most recently the Cemetery Advisory Board. Ronnie spent a lifetime in service to others, and we are grateful for the amazing impact he made in our Copperas Cove community. We offer our most sincere thoughts and prayers with his loving family and many friends as they traverse through this challenging time.”

Copperas Cove City Manager Ryan Haverlah also shared a statement about Viss, whom he also called a friend.

"Ronnie Viss was one of my closest friends and brother in Jesus Christ. I am deeply grieved by his abrupt passing. He gave selflessly to those around him and in the communities he lived and worked. Ronnie encouraged people to personally, professionally, and spiritually grow and improve. Copperas Cove and the surrounding area has been blessed by his ministry of funeral services and advocacy of those in traumatic circumstances. We should be challenged to improve by those surrounding us, just as Ronnie demonstrated to serve others. He will be remembered for all this and his infectious smile, joy, and faith in God. Ronnie lived an abundant life...one of love and service."

Viss likewise served his local community as the owner of Viss Family Funeral Home. In a 2012 interview with the Copperas Cove Leader-Press when he and business partners opened Scott’s Funeral home in Copperas Cove, Viss said that he considered being a funeral director a calling. 
Longtime Covite Diane Ellis lost her father in February of this year.
She called Viss compassionate, caring, selfless, and understanding, and he was also present for her and her family from the time her father passed, until his memorial service was held on April 22. She said that Copperas Cove lost a wonderful person. 
As for the future of Viss Family Funeral Home, the facility announced via its social media page on Thursday that Daren Moore will be the funeral director in charge of the home. 
“Considering Ronnie’s passing and the active role that he played in his business, the Viss family has entrusted his former business partner, Daren Moore, to be the funeral director in charge of the funeral home.” 
Moore has been serving the Copperas Cove and Gatesville communities for the last 30-plus years, and he along with Viss were business partners at Scott’s Funeral Home of Copperas Cove prior to Viss purchasing the business in 2020. 
Ronnie Viss’ visitation is set for Friday, May 13 from 5-8 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Copperas Cove. A memorial service is set for Saturday, May 14, at 1 p.m., at First Baptist Church in Gatesville. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, May 15, at 2 p.m., at Bentley Cemetery, in Bentley, Oklahoma.