Ronnell Marquis Grixby

Life and Legacy

of

Ronnell Marquis Grixby

“CHUNK”

Ronnell Marquis Grixby was born April 16, 1989 in Omaha, Nebraska to his loving parents, Ronald M. and Evelyn J. Grixby. Ronnell was given the nickname “Chunk” by his two older brothers, DeAntae and Cortney. He accepted Christ at age six, and was baptized at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he was a member of the youth choir and served as a junior usher. Growing up, Ronnell was a very happy, loving and curious child who knew no stranger. His smile was infectious, and his laugh was contagious. When it came to sports, he was fearless and competitive. Ronnell idolized his older brothers and shared a special bond with them. They were inseparable from childhood to adulthood. Growing up as the little brother was not always the easiest, but proved to be rewarding as he watched his brothers’ many accomplishments as student-athletes and their involvement in the community. Ronnell learned from his parents and brothers that success in both academics and athletics required hard-work, sportsmanship, respect and good character. It didn’t take long for Ronnell to emerge from the shadows of his brothers by establishing his own identity as a champion. When he was in “Beast Mode” he was unstoppable on the field and the court. He went on to win three straight State Basketball Championships and one State Football Championship during his time at Omaha Central High School . Ronnell’s individual accomplishments while at Omaha Central included being selected for the All-Division, All-Metro, and All-State Teams in both basketball and football. He left Omaha Central as one of the All-Time Leading Scorers, which was exemplified by his selection into the 1,000-Point Club in basketball. Ronnell doubled this up when he was also selected into the 1,000-Yard Rushing Club in football. Ronnell and Cooking were a perfect marriage! His love and compassion in the kitchen were comforting. Ronnell’s aspiration and love for cooking began at an early age when he grew up watching his mom prepare meals in the kitchen, and his dad on the grill. His first experience with cooking was on the George Foreman grill, where he made a hot sauce burger. This burger quickly became a fan-favorite of his brothers and friends. He was always putting his own spin on recipes and using his family as taste testers. Ronnell’s creativity in the kitchen was unmatched and masterful. His journey with cooking included catering events, cooking at Lonnell’s Southern Delight, and serving as Lead Cook for Creighton University. At his time of passing, Ronnell was the Kitchen Manager at Addy’s Sports Bar and Grill. Ronnell was very passionate about mentoring and coaching youth. Early in his work career, he assisted with activities for children ages six and older at the LaFern Williams South YMCA. He also mentored children in grades Pre-K to 6th grade with the CLC-Dream Foundation at Hartman Elementary School. His passion for youth later evolved into working as a role model and Direct Support Provider for Kevin Williams Counseling, PC. Circling back to his Alma Mater, Ronnell began volunteering as coach for the Omaha Junior Eagles youth football team. Additional corporate employers on Ronnell’s resume include: University of Nebraska Medical Center , Gallner & Patterman Law Office, Baxter Chevrolet, Gregg Young Chevrolet, Rusty Eck Ford, and Spec Building Materials; all located in Omaha, Nebraska. Ronnell loved fatherhood. Watching his sons excel in school, their characters evolve, their sportsmanship and social skills develop made him smile and proud. Spending quality time with his sons was always the best whether it was cooking, playing games, or enjoying a movie night. He was excited to watch them participate in athletics. Such excitement and commitment to fatherhood is what primarily led him to volunteer as one of their coaches for the Junior Eagles football team. Ronnell’s early academic career included attending Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, Jesuit Academy, and Monroe Middle School. After graduating from Omaha Central High School in 2008, he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before enrolling at The Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska. He enjoyed life and lived life to the fullest as a loving son, brother and devoted father. He loved his family, his friends and being a good steward to all who knew him. Ronnell received his wings and is flying high! He is preceded in death by his grandfather Joseph Davis, Jr. Family left to cherish his life and legacy are his loving parents, Ronald and Evelyn Grixby, brothers DeAntae Grixby, of Spring, Texas; Cortney Grixby, of Omaha, Nebraska; sons Zy’Air and Cayden Branch-Grixby and Damari Branch; girlfriend and mother of his sons, Kiana Branch; grandmother Bertha Davis, nephews TaeVyn Grixby, Yasir Grixby, Yohan Grixby, Mikel Nared and niece Nyla Grixby; aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of other family and friends. Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, August 20 ^th at Roeder Mortuary, 4932 Ames Ave. Funeral Service: 9:00 AM Saturday, August 21 ^st at Bridge Church, 3223 N. 45 ^th Street with viewing from 8:00 to 8:45 AM. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery, 7601 Military Ave.