The Reverend Ronald F. Manning , age 88, of Palm Coast, Fl passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, January 29 ^th in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Ron was born, on March 1, 1933, in Hayes, Clarendon, Jamaica, the fifth of nine children to Solomon Francis and Muriel Manning. He was a retired priest from St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Palm Coast and a faithful servant of the Lord.

He faithfully served as a Deacon at The Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando, Florida until he was called and ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John Howe as the Vicar at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Daytona Beach, Florida. After serving there for 10 years he relocated to Church of our Savior in Palm Bay when he was invited to start a new congregation, which would later become The Episcopal Church of the Blessed Redeemer. He regularly served in prison ministry, was an active member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, participated and led many Cursillo weekend enrichments and was the chaplain for the Order of the Daughters of the King in Palm Bay, Florida. He was a teacher, mentor, and spiritual guide to many throughout his lifetime and was always available for healing services or prayers whenever needed. During this journey Ron was faithfully accompanied by Leila, his wife of 66 years.

A loving, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was devoted to his family and to many of his grandchildren he was their "father." Ron was the rock upon which his family leaned, always an ear willing to listen and give advice full of Jamaican proverbs. In his spare time, he loved to fish and could be seen with a fishing pole teaching his grandchildren the art and patience of fishing. He also loved cruises and enjoyed traveling to many countries, including a spiritual trip to Jerusalem.

He is predeceased by his parents, Solomon Francis and Muriel Manning, Sisters Maisy Manning, Gloria Manning, Barbara Smith, and Joyce Murray. He is survived by four siblings Horace Manning (Ida), Myrna Willis (Heron), Dexter Manning (Ellen) and Loy Manning; 4 children Monica Bickham (James), Patricia Ferguson, Dorrett Manning and Ronald S. Manning (Terri); 6 grandchildren, Jourdan Bickham (Megumi), Alec Ferguson, Brianne Ferguson, RionFrancis Manning, Kori Manning, Jaiden Manning and one great-grandchild, Kiyora Bickham. He was also loved by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and parishioners.

Mourn not his passing but celebrate his joining his father in heaven to continue to do his work.

Visitation: Friday, February 11 ^th . 2-6pm, Lohman Funeral Home 220 Palm Coast Pkwy, Palm Coast Fl 32137.

Service: Saturday, February 12 ^th , 1pm at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 5400 Belle Terre Pkwy, Palm Coast Fl 32137.

The family of the late Reverend Ronald F. Manning wishes to acknowledge, with deep appreciation the many comforting messages, prayers and other expressions of love and concern during our time of bereavement.