Celebrating The Life Of Ronnie Lett In Northport Today

A celebration of the life of a man many consider a pilar of the Northport community is set for 11:00 this morning at St. Mark Church (1421 McFarland Blvd. in Northport). Ronald "Ronnie" Eugene Lett passed away Saturday after a lengthy illness. He was an educator, a church choir director and a character builder.

Lett graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in 1961 and The University of Alabama with a degree in Music Education in 1965.

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The 82-year-old was a major player in the lives of high school students and members of several churches. He was hired as the first-ever choral director for the Tuscaloosa County School System in 1965. He served in that role for 21 years and was also the principal at Tuscaloosa County High School from 1992 to 1994.

Nothing highlights Ronnie Lett's positive impact on the community more than his 2012 selection as Northport Citizen of the Year. He played a role in the development of thousands of high school students and the spiritual life of thousands more church members and attendees.

Ronnie served as executive director of the Tuscaloosa Character Council, placing character training in every second-grade classroom in public-schools.

In recent years, Ronnie continued to impact student lives, substituting in band and choir at TCHS.

Lett also directed the music programs at Ridgecrest Baptist, Circlewood Baptist, Five Points Baptist, Holt Baptist Church, Grants Creek Baptist and finally at St. Mark’s.

St. Mark Lead Pastor Bo Lloyd paid tribute to Lett's caring nature, "Ronnie was the most gifted choir leader I ever had the pleasure to work with. What impressed me the most was his love for the choir, not as singers and musicians, but as people.

"He was truly their pastor," Rev. Lloyd wrote in remembrance. "He cared for them through the good and bad. He was always willing to visit them in the hospital, in a crisis or anytime they needed a helping hand. He will truly be missed."

Ronnie Lett is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bebe Jan Davis Lett, his son, Ron (Merideth) Lett and his daughter, Dr Julia (Aubrey) Boothe. His most special name was "Pappy," and he was very proud of his grandchildren, Anne Elizabeth (Brayden) Crowell, Laura Adelynn (Hayden) Kelly, Martha Thaxton, Katie (Coley) Smith, Sarah Beth Boothe, and Meri Davis Lett, and great-granddaughter, Kollyns Ruth Kelly. He was blessed with a "quiver full" of wonderful kiddos.

Memorials can be made to the TCHS Choral Department's Ronald Lett Scholarship at TCHS Choir, 12500 Wildcat Drive Northport, AL 35475, or any charity.