Ronnie Carol Wisham

Ronnie Carol Wisham was born September 1, 1943, to Fred Wisham and Rosa Mae Seaborn in Torrance, California, the second of four boys. He attended schools in Torrance. As a teenager he worked on a rabbit farm, a car wash, and in a deli. He also had interest in fast cars. He graduated from Torrance High School in 1961. After graduation, he went to work for Owen Park Lumber Company.

In 1963 he moved to Las Vegas and worked various construction jobs and was briefly employed at the BC Fire Department. In 1965, while working at Avis Rent a Car, he was drafted into the United States Army. He shipped out on the USS Mann on September 25, 1965, twenty-four days after his 22nd birthday. He served with Troop D (Airborne), 1st Infantry Division, 4th Calvary Regiment, on Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols. After fighting in the jungles of Viet Nam, Ron returned to the states and was honorably discharged in 1966.

Ron had a passion for bowling. He bowled on the same league, on the same team, with various team members as part of the Boulder Bowl Team for 52 years. During the 1972-1973 season, he was one of a five-man team that won the ABC Nevada State Team Championship title.

A local girl, JoElla Wood, caught his interest and they were married on September 25, 1971. They enjoyed 52 wonderful years together, with all the ups and downs that occur during married life. In 1994 Ron became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and in September 1995 he and JoElla were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Las Vegas Temple.

Ron was a temporary hire under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, by the City of Boulder City in 1974, working on the street crew. Later on, he was hired full time and eventually took the position of Equipment Specialist in the garage. He retired from the City of Boulder City after 33 years of service.

He was an avid water skier and participated in many of the 50-75 mile speed ski races held on Lake Mead. In 1977 he skied the Long Beach to Catalina Island Grand National Ski Race. He was a member of the Las Vegas Boat and Ski Club from 1974-1980. After years of hard skiing and even harder falls that took their toll on his body, Ron switched to snorkeling and swimming. He swam at the BC Municipal Pool, a mile a day, five days a week for twenty-four years.

After retirement he and JoElla purchased a travel trailer and toured many national parks and other places of interest.

Ron leaves his wife, JoElla, two younger brothers: Fred (Patty) Kendall and Kennie Wisham and his siblings' children and grandchildren. His parents and older brother, Lonnie, preceded him in death. Lonnie's two sons, Scott Wisham and Chris Wisham, are very special to Ron, as are their children. Ron was always so good to his wife's family and there are many who will miss him.

Services for Ron will be held Friday, June 7th, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1550 Buchanan Blvd., Boulder City, Nevada. Viewing at 10:00-11:45, the funeral at 12:00. The military honors and burial will follow at the Boulder City Cemetery at 501 Adams Blvd. 

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Nathan Adelson Hospice, support from the Veteran's Administration, and the many neighbors and friends who have shown love and compassion.