Ronald Richard

Ron Alt died at home, surrounded by family, on October 20, 2017. Throughout his battle with stomach cancer, he remained the man known and loved by many: fiercely tough, hilarious, and selfless. He enjoyed his life and lived according to his own terms even after his diagnosis.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dolores Lenker, siblings James Alt and Linda Alt, and infant son Harford James Alt. He is survived by a large family which he cherished above all else: wife Susan Edenfield Alt, daughters Jamie Alt Lane (Ken), Katherine Alt, Rebecca Alt, and son Ronnie Alt; siblings Robert Alt (Joy), Edward Alt, David Lenker, Karen Brewer (Kevin), and Kathleen Watson; grandchildren Tyler, Evan,  Parker,  Dylan, and Carson Lane.

Ron was born in Pittsburgh, PA in September, 1951 (though he left the city while young, he never left his obsessive love of the Pittsburgh Steelers). The third of eight children, "Ronnie" was caregiver and mentor to his siblings. He had a lot of fun in the 60s and 70s, especially his time spent surfing and growing his hair long in West Palm Beach, FL and almost making it to Woodstock.

It was love at first sight in 1982 when Ron spotted a sweet nurse while working as a social worker at Pulaski Nursing Home. He started showing up during her night-shifts to "catch up on paperwork." He was moved by Susan Edenfield's kindness to their patients. He chose wisely. Ron was extremely well cared for and loved for the thirty-five wonderful years they were married.Ron and Susan were true best friends who enjoyed each other's company and were inseparable until the end. Together they raised four remarkable children: Jamie, Katherine, Rebecca, and Ronnie. Ron was the true definition of a family man. He doted on his children and was always proud of them. He was perhaps happiest in the presence of his five grandchildren.

Ron will also be remembered for his service to the community. An Armstrong State University alumnus (AS '78, BA '78, MHS '90), Ron spent his career working tirelessly to help others. As director of the Housing Authority of Savannah Drug Elimination Program he advocated for countless residents, providing resources for youth and job training for women. Later he was self-employed as a Master Addiction Counselor and state-certified Clinical Evaluate, helping those who struggled with drugs and alcohol with one-on-one support and tough love. He also taught a class on substance abuse prevention strategies in the Masters of Public Health program at Armstrong.Ron served on the boards of directors of the Savannah Coalition for the Homeless, Chatham County Council on Alcohol & Drugs, Workforce Investment Board, the Youth Futures Authority, At-Risk Youth Council, the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club, and other organizations.

Ron didn't like funerals, fuss, or fools. What he did like was hanging out with his family, going to Sand Gnats and Savannah Bananas games, collecting sports memorabilia (especially Roberto Clemente, the Steelers, and the Atlanta Braves), shouting out the clues during Jeopardy!, catching up with friends on Facebook, spontaneous serenading, and vacationing to visit his nieces and nephews in Florida. Later in life he resumed playing golf, a favorite activity of younger days, claiming the long break was necessary because he was too busy raising kids. Many, many hours of his life were spent on baseball and softball fields, coaching his children, grandchildren and others with lessons in sports and in life - and also winning... his favorite hobby. With all his former players, Coach Ron considered his family even larger than those related by blood.

Ron's proudest moments were reconnecting with people, often hearing someone say "Hey, Mr. Ron" or "Coach Ron" as they stopped him to share how he had impacted their lives. Seeing people succeed and hearing of their accomplishments made him so happy.

In lieu of flowers, those wanting to honor Ron should please contribute to the Ron Alt Memorial Fund at Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club of Savannah. Please visit the Boys and Girls Club website or send to PO Box 8727, Savannah, GA 31412 ("Ron Alt" in comments or memo).

Finally, if you ever want to know how to keep a jackass in suspense, just ask Ron. He'll tell you tomorrow.

Please join the family in celebration of a wonderful father, brother, grandfather, coach, mentor, and community servant on Saturday, October 28, 2017. Visitation will be held from 11 am to 1 pm at Baker McCullough Funeral Home - Hubert C. Baker Chapel. Memorial service will follow at 1pm.