Ronald Jerome Brady

Ronald Jerome Brady, 84, of Powder Springs, GA, passed away on December 17, 2023.

Ronald came into this world fighting on November 13, 1939. He was born to Loretta Brady and Clarence Taylor in Washington,D.C. Ronald, known as “RJ Ripple” to his friends, which included virtually everyone, got the nickname Ronnie Ripple as a youth because of a girl and some ice cream. RJ was affectionately known as Pop, Grandpa, & Pop-Pop to his family.

During RJ’s infancy, he faced life-threatening illness and was nursed back to health by his Great-grandmother, Agnes Brooks. RJ spent his formative years in the home of Agnes and her husband, Brooky. He let no grass grow under his feet with a group of boys affectionately known as “The United Nations,” apropos for how diverse they all were. A lover of music, Agnes gave him an education via his frequent trips to the music hall at Howard Theatre to see artists like Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. When it was time to attend high school, he and “The United Nations”  were the first to integrate Chamberlain Vocational High School in Washington, D.C,. He played basketball for the school team as an upperclassman.

After high school, RJ enlisted in the National Guard until he was discharged, and he then went on to train as a Printing Press Operator. He worked at various sites as an Operator until he landed at the United States Senate, ultimately becoming the Supervisor of Printing, Graphics, & Direct Mail until he retired in 2008.

In 1965, RJ met Yvonne Thomas at Hampton University. They married, during their 22-year-long union, Ronnie and Yvonne had three sons, Darren, Kyle, and Ryan. Although RJ and Yvonne’s union ended, they once again became good friends and remained so until his passing.  

Years later, RJ met Gesinda Gorman known as Cindy, whom he married in October 2001. They made a happy home in Laurel, MD, enjoying life on the East Coast. They spent time traveling and enjoying the company of family & friends. 

After his retirement from the U.S. Senate, RJ spent his time riding his Harley, learning guitar, riding his Harley, taking cruises, traveling, oh and did we mention riding his Harley? Her name is Black Beauty.

RJ & Cindy relocated to Georgia in October of 2018 to be closer to family and spend time with their grandchildren. Cindy passed away in March of 2021 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

RJ was predeceased by his mother- Loretta, father- Clarence, brother-Henry Clark Jr., and wife - Cindy. A family man through and through, he is survived by his siblings Joyce White, Joan Walker, and Raymond Clark. His first wife, Yvonne Brady. His sons: Darren, his wife Wanda, and their two children, Amara, and Jaylen; Kyle, his wife Aisha, and their three sons, Nicholas, Liam, and Justin; Ryan, his wife Brandy, and their children Nina and Gavin.

He will be missed terribly by his family and friends, who knew RJ for his bellowing laugh and megawatt smile. RJ’s legacy of family is solidified and will carry on forever.

Services will be held at New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 11 am.