Ronald G. Houck, age 84 of Beavercreek, passed away on January 8, 2019. He was the son of the late Andre and Florence Houck. Ronald is survived by his sons Ronald Houck II, Richard Houck and Randolph Houck, daughter Desiree Pratt, six grandchildren, Michael McCarthy, Brandon McCarthy, Devonne Pratt, Garrett Pratt, Emily Houck, and Nathan Houck, and five great-grandchildren, Zayne McCarthy, Blaine McCarthy, Payton McCarthy, Harper McCarthy, and Killian McCarthy.
He was the brother of the late Marlene Briggs and Nelson Houck Ronald graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1952 and attended Erie County Technical Institute in Buffalo, NY for one year while studying engineering. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 where he did basic training in Fort Knox, KY, went to Fort Bliss, TX for training as a radar technician, and then assigned to Fort Niagara five miles from home. In 1955, he was sent to the United States Military Preparatory Academy at West Point and attended as a cadet.
He then requested assignment and was sent to Combat Arms, staying until the end of his enlistment in 1957. Ronald moved to Gainesville, FL to attend the University of Florida and complete his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1961. After graduation, he took a position at General Dynamics in Fort Worth, TX.
In 1965, he moved his family to Owego, NY, having accepted a position as an electrical engineer at IBM Corporation. Ronald relocated to Beavercreek, OH in 1977 to work as an engineering consultant for various companies in the Dayton area. In 1981, he opened The Tobacco Wharf in Beavercreek, selling cigars, pipes, upscale tobacco products, and gifts.
The Tobacco Wharf was renamed to The Wharf when he relocated the store to its current location with more extensive products and gift lines. He created a smoking club for friends and fellow smokers to gather and socialize. The patrons always were greeted by the store resident, his prized African Grey parrot named Smoker.
Ronald continued to run the business along with his eldest son. The business continues today under the management of his son, Ronald Houck II. Ronald was a cabinet maker, a writer, and an actor, having appeared in greater than 30 theatre productions and television commercials.
As a lover of poetry, he recited poems and sang in his deep baritone voice to anyone within ear’s reach. A voracious reader and owner of an extensive library of books, he especially loved books about military history and ships of the sea. Ronald was an admirer of art, music, and the theater.
He was known for his outgoing personality and knew no strangers. Ron always cared deeply for his family and friends. Visitation will be held Friday from 11-1PM at RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 901 Cayuga Street, LEWISTON, NY.
Interment in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ronald to the charity of your choice. Visit www.
rhoneyfuneralhome.com for guest register.
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