Ronald Douglas Judson

Ronald Douglas Judson, born on February 23, 1936, in Gainesville, Georgia, was a man of many talents and passions. Raised by his parents, Herbert Edward Judson and Connie Mae Kenimer Judson, Ronald's life began just weeks before the devastating 1936 Gainesville tornado.

Ronald's early years were spent with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Asa Kenimer, in White County. It was there he developed a deep appreciation for sawmills, woodworking, and farming, all of which fostered a lifelong closeness to his Kenimer family roots.

After his sister Sylvia was born, Ronald attended Gainesville city schools, where his athletic prowess, particularly in football, became evident. His high school career was marked by MVP awards and a scholarship to the University of Georgia. A career-ending injury, however, led him down a different path. He earned a master's in education and a Lifetime teaching certification, returning to Gainesville High to teach Industrial Arts and coach football. It was during this time that he and his college sweetheart, Marguerite Mae Stringer, married and started their family, having three children.

Ronald transitioned into the thriving poultry industry in Gainesville, joining Big Dutchman as a top-selling equipment salesman. His career in the chicken equipment business spanned many years.

A true enthusiast of "toys," Ronald enjoyed a variety of hobbies. He owned numerous motorcycles, boats, and even an airplane. He built a dune buggy, several boats, and a camper. His musical talents were equally impressive; he could play nearly any instrument and often entertained others with his organs, mandolins, banjo, and many harmonicas.

His lifelong love for the ocean, sparked by annual family trips to the Jersey shore, led him to live in Florida in the late 1970s. Returning to the North Georgia mountains and his Kenimer roots, Ronald's love for entertaining brought him together with Luanne Cimeno from Boston at a family reunion. Their meeting marked the beginning of a 42-year marriage filled with travel and adventure. They explored the world, often with Ronald accompanying Luanne on her work trips. He also returned to teaching for a time, built houses in Dahlonega, and became known for his masterful hosting, highlighted by his famous cooked hog in the ground. He was a gifted chef who always did all the cooking himself. When he and Luanne moved to St. George Island, he continued to be the master host, even building custom bars and tables for his parties.

Ronald passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and in the care of Hospice in Tallahassee. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Connie Judson; the mother of his children, Marguerite Stringer Judson; his sister and brother-in-law, Sylvia and Milton Smallwood; and numerous four-legged companions.

He is survived by his wife, Luanne Cimeno Judson of Apalachicola, Florida; his daughter, Caroline (Lea) Judson of Gainesville; his daughter, Georgia Judson of Athens; his son, Edward (ED) Judson of Gainesville; his grandsons, Will Hutchins of Marietta, Zan Judson of Gainesville, and Zach (Cecily) Judson of Peyton, Colorado; his great-granddaughters, Sophia and Layla Judson of Peyton, Colorado; and his nephew, Cary (Terri) Smallwood and family, and niece, Andrea Smallwood Grey and family, of Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

The family will receive friends and guests on Sunday September 28, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Little & Davenport Funeral Home.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.