Ronald Chatman Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear brother Ronald "Ron" Chatman. A long-time resident of Long Beach, CA, Ron passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, September 8, 2025.
Ron was one of ten siblings-five boys and five girls-and was the youngest and last surviving brother. He leaves to treasure his memories, a son, Ronald "Ronnie" Chatman, II; three Grandchildren-Granddaughter Reynalda Dine Chatman, 21 years old, Granddaughter Miranda Chatman, 13 years old, and Grandson Basil Chatman, 11 years old; four sisters-Ms. Bonita Hope, Mobile, AL, Ms. Bessie (Roy) Smith, Whistler, AL; Ms. Donza Lynaum, Dayton, OH and Dr. Linda Chatman, Mystic, CT; a sister-in-law Ms. Lucille Chatman. and a host of nieces and nephews and other family and friends-including his friend and ex-wife, Ms. Evelyn Sims Chatman, Long Beach, CA; Ms. Bianca Loreto, Long Beach, CA and close personal assistant, Ms. Clark, Long Beach, CA.
Ron graduated from Mobile County Training School in 1961 where Ms. Valena W. McCants was a teacher, mentor and lifelong friend. He matriculated at Alabama State University in 1965 with a B.A. Degree in Education, English and French.
During his professional career, Ron was an educator. He taught in the Mobile Public School System as a French teacher at Rosa A. Lott High School before moving to California. He had been employed with Compton Community College District from June 1, 1988 to December 31, 2004, serving in several capacities, including Deputy Superintendent/Executive Vice President.
According to the President/CEO of Compton College, just two weeks ago, Ron generously committed a financial donation to the newly established fund supporting students with DACA application fees and immigration-related legal services. "Mr. Chatman made the donation on behalf of current Compton CCD employees who worked with him during his time with Compton CCD".
He was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; 100 Black Men of America and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (the Boule), among other esteemed organizations.
His generous spirit also inspired a recent donation made on behalf of the Chatman family to the American Cancer Society, in support of the 2025 Marathon in Sydney, Australia.
Ron also led a busy life and exerted tremendous influence as an entrepreneur. During his career, he established a charter school and more recently, owned/managed a large senior citizen housing complex in Long Beach, CA.
Ron was known for his faith, kindness and unwavering commitment to his loved ones. He was a faithful member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Long Beach, CA, where he was the senior warden. When Ron did not arrive to deliver the morning church announcements, concerned members of his church family requested a wellness check at his home, where they discovered he had made his peaceful transition.
Ron will be lovingly remembered by his family, church family and supportive friends.
At this time, no celebration of life/funerary services have been finalized. Ron thoughtfully left behind organized instructions for his heavenly homegoing. Arrangements have been entrusted to Destiny Funeral Home and Crematory, Long Beach, CA.
The family of the late Ronald Chatman wishes to express our deepest gratitude for your love, support, and kind expressions of sympathy during this time. Your comforting words, prayers, and gestures of compassion have helped us find strength and peace. Faithfully, Bonita C. Hope, Bessie E. Smith, Donza L. Lynaum, and Linda A. Chatman.
"I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" – John 11:25.