Ronald Wesley Allen
September 7, 1948 – June 19, 2025
Ronald Wesley Allen, beloved husband, father, grandfather (Poppi), and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, on June 19, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 76 years old. At his side were his devoted wife of 57 years, Bonnie, and his loving daughter, Donna.
Born on September 7, 1948, in Jacksonville, Ron was the son of John Wesley Allen and Frances Hadler. He is survived by his wife Bonnie; daughters Donna Allen McNamara (Tom) and Tresa Allen Chappell (Clay); grandchildren Lila June McNamara, Avery Elizabeth McNamara, Benjamin Hollis Chappell, Wesley Donald Chappell, and Smith Taylor Chappell; and sisters Nancy Allen and Carole Medeiros.
Ron graduated from The Bolles School in 1966, where he excelled as a star athlete in both baseball and football. He went on to attend Tulane University and was a proud member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He later served his country with honor in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, stationed in several top-secret locations around the globe.
Following his military service, Ron completed his Bachelor’s degree at the University of North Florida and earned a Master’s degree in Radiation Physics from the University of Florida. Never one to stop learning, he later earned a second Master’s degree in Financial Planning and Services.
Ron’s professional life was as dynamic as his spirit. A lifelong entrepreneur, he served as Executive Vice President of the family business, Allen Wholesale Supply, founded Bull & Bear Capital Advisors, founded and owned Crown Offshore Sails, spent 19 years as the voice of a popular financial radio show. and led the Institute for Financial Studies at Florida State College at Jacksonville, among other endeavors.
A fierce competitor and world-class sailor, Ron won countless races aboard his cherished J/24 and Tartan Ten sailboats, both named Black Jack. He was also a sought-after skipper, leading many crews to victory up and down the East Coast and in the Caribbean.
Beyond his professional and athletic achievements, Ron was a gifted musician and passionate gospel singer who shared his faith through music. He was a lifelong lover of baseball, organizing spring training trips and attending multiple World Series. He was a voracious reader, trivia master, bird enthusiast, Harley-Davidson rider, and a lifelong student of the world.
A private burial will be held on July 7 at Jacksonville National Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ron’s life on July 8 at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 118 E Monroe St, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Haven Hospice in Ron’s memory (www.havenhospice.com/donate).
4 Comments
Thank you for sharing Ron with us Bonnie, Donna and Tresa. Likewise, thank you to Tom Patton for getting me “in” to meet Ron’s group. When he found out I was a sail racer and entrepreneur, we connected. Ron always challenged us to be closer to God, invest wisely and enjoy good music. Ultimately, he showed us how important Christian brotherhood and charity could be. He was a good friend and mentor to so many people and I’m grateful that his messages and spirit linger in us and I pray that we continue to see his light in our lives. Godspeed Ron, we miss you.
Ron and I were colleagues when we worked at FCCJ (later FSCJ) in the first decade of this millinieum. He was also my instructor for the CFP – Certified Financial Planner – courses that his Institute of Financial Studies sponsored. I still use some of his “truisms” when talking to people today about taxes and investing.
I also really enjoyed his old time photos of baseball players and images of Jacksonville back in the days that he posted on his Facebook page.
Ron and I were teammates on the Bolles baseball team. He was a junior and I was a senior. I have fond memories of. Ron as he was not only a great ball player but a better teammate an friend.
I was saddened to read Ron’s obituary, who I remember as such a “good guy” and special classmate. We last saw each other at a class reunion MANY years ago and I was looking forward to our being together next year at our 60th.
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