Ronald LaWayne Caldwell, Jr,

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of  Ronald Lawayne Caldwell, Jr., who left this earthly realm on October 12, 2023. In the face of life's challenges, he remained unwavering in his strength and determination, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.  Ronnie was the son of Blanche Bradley and Ronald Caldwell, Sr..  He was a Junior (student) at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Family and friends will gather for a viewing at Elgin Funeral Home, Friday, October 20th from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  A Celebration of Life will be conducted at Olivet Baptist Church, Saturday, October 21st at 2:00 PM with Reverend Edward Fleming, presiding and Reverend D. W. Townsend, eulogist.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Austin, Texas.

Ro’s Dash

Ronald LaWayne Caldwell, Jr. was a respectable young man who had a bright future ahead of him on and off the football field.  His voice was heard throughout the locker room, from the first player to the 115^th player on the NSU roster.  On October 12, 2023, the community of Elgin, Manor and Natchitoches, Louisiana, many schools, and college campuses, begin to mourn the passing of this blooming icon. 

Ronald was born November 19, 2001, to Ronald Caldwell Sr and Blanche Bradley in Austin, Texas.  Ronald was affectionately known as ‘Doogie’ to his family and ‘Ro’ to his high school and college friends. Ronald had a strong Christian foundation and at an early age, he professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at Winn’s Memorial Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor D. W Townsend.  Ron received his education in Elgin, Pflugerville, and Cedar Park Independent School Districts.  While at Cedar Park, Ron was a member of the Wrestling and Football Teams. Ron ranked 1^st in district for three years and 3^rd in the State in wrestling.  Ron graduated from Cedar Park High School in 2020.  Ron continued his post education at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas with a football scholarship where he was Safety and later transferred to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he continued to play until an injury.  Because of his love for football and Northwestern, Ron travelled with the team and was instrumental in assisting the Defensive Coach in calling the plays.  Ron was a business administration major and looking forward to working with his father in the mechanic and restoration business.  He also wanted to play professional football but did not specify a team.  He knew if you love football, it was a privilege to be on any gridiron doing what you love. In 2022, Ronald was named to the Southland Conference Commissioner's Fall Honor Roll, which honors student-athletes who record at least a 3.0 grade point average during their semester of competition.

Ron was a loving, and spiritual young man, one that feared the Lord but loved him dearly.  He sowed many seeds in and with his family, his church, and the communities as he grew to be an adult. He loved his family, always offering support to his sibling.  Ron was a good cook and knew his way around in the kitchen.  Ron loved his sisters and brother, taking steps and reaching goals to make them proud of him.

“I am tired…”

Ron departed this life at the age of 21, on Thursday, October 12, 2023, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, knowing this was not ‘goodbye but we will see you later’.  Doogie will be joining his paternal grandparents, Lanie and Jewel Caldwell, and maternal grandparents, Dan, and Rosa Bradley, and one brother, Kh’Ron Caldwell.

Ronald’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his, father, Ronald Caldwell, Sr., mother, Blanche Bradley, brother, Alfred Carter, sisters, Rhonda, Breonna, Khonni, and Khrii Caldwell, bonus brother, Allen Bonner, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends, including his teammates and the Winn’s Memorial Church family.