Owen Ronald ”Ronie” Flinn was born in Brownsville, TX on February 12, 1934. Two years later, he moved to Harlingen, the city he loved and called home for the rest of his life. Ronie graduated from Harlingen High School in 1952, then became a Rice University Owl, attending on an Army ROTC Scholarship, where he graduated with a BA in Architecture in 1956. Ronie served in the Korean War, wryly saying he fought the “cold and bad conditions” more than the enemy. After his discharge as a First Lieutenant from the US Army in 1958, he returned to Harlingen to work alongside his father (“OR” Flinn) in running the family business, Southmost Sash and Door, later becoming Factory Outlet Building Materials. In 1985, he became a financial Planner for Card Investments with his close friends, Garrison and Bill Card, collaborated with another good friend, Bill Mount, in the restaurant industry, then closed out his last 10 years before retirement as a realtor for Century 21, joining yet another friend, Tip Johnson.
Honorable and loyal to his core, Ronie was never one to shirk responsibility, and he felt compelled to give back to the city he loved. He served on many civic boards, one of his favorites being Valley International Airport (20 years), where he was instrumental in securing VIA as the 4th destination and RGV hub for Southwest Airlines. Other organizations include The Harlingen Waterworks Board and the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce. He served as President of the Harlingen Country Club for 2 terms, but it is arguable if his golf game improved in direct correlation with his service. Ronie was a proud Rotarian and achieved all Rotary service awards during his time as an active member. Deeply committed to his faith, Ronie was a 32nd Degree Free Mason and served as a Deacon for many years at The First Baptist Church of Harlingen, progressing to St Alban’s Episcopal Church in 2010, where he and Ann found their final church home and family.
Ronie is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Anna Claire: his children, David (Sandra) Flinn and John (Paige) Flinn; his grandchildren, Jacob Renshaw Flinn, John McCall “Mac” Flinn II, Matthew Duncan Flinn and Benjamin Kelly Flinn. He is preceded in death by his parents, OR and Florine Flinn and his sister, Patricia Ponton. He was the quiet figurehead of his family, leading by example. “Grandaddy” will be missed deeply, but the memories of hunting camp, boy scouts, golf tall tales, his packing abilities, and TV show favorites will be cherished by his family and close friends alike.
The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Ronie’s caregiver, Beth Carter and the Ladies of Companion Sitter Service, Barbara, Briana, Monica and Maria for their wonderful care. Also, we send our appreciation to Gentiva Hospice and our Hospice Nurse, Brian Smith.
A Memorial Service will take place on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 11:00 am at St Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1417 E. Austin St., Harlingen, TX with a reception following at 12:30 at Harlingen Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Loaves and Fishes of Harlingen, an organization dear to Ronie’s heart.
