Ronald "Ronnie" David Choate passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026. Born in Austin, Texas on May 26, 1937 to Imogene Lay Choate and Elby D. Choate. Ronnie's early years were marked by family moves that set the scene for a life shaped by community, sport, and the pursuit of excellence.

In 1943, his family moved to Orange, Texas, and the following year settled in Port Neches, where he was baptized at the First Baptist Church. It was in Port Neches that Ronnie's athletic talents began to shine. He attended Port Neches schools until 1955, distinguishing himself in football, basketball, and baseball through junior high and high school. Wearing number 39, he played wingback and quarterback for the football team, and excelled as shortstop and pitcher on the baseball diamond, even playing on the 1953 state championship football team. His senior year, Ronnie was a King candidate for the Royal Court, a testament to his standing among classmates.

Upon graduating high school, Ronnie entered Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville in 1955. He quickly made his mark on the Bearkats football team in the spring of 1956, part of an undefeated season crowned by the team's first Lone Star Conference Championship. He played quarterback for Sam Houston and manned third base for the baseball team for three years. The highlight reel of his college career included the 1958 Christmas Bowl in Louisiana, selections to the Lone Star Conference All Conference Team and All Texas Squad, and championship seasons that would become part of school lore.

Ronnie graduated in January 1960 from Sam Houston State University, and just days later, on January 23, 1960, married Janice Philpott. He went on to earn a Master's degree in Education from his alma mater in 1961, launching the next chapter of his life. Personal milestones intertwined with professional ones. In May 1963, Ronnie and Janice welcomed their first son, David Wayne Choate, and in August 1970, their second, William Dean Choate.

Accepting a coaching position at Sam Houston, Ronnie devoted himself to coaching football—mentoring quarterbacks and kickers—before being appointed in 1961, at the age of 24, the golf coach of the very first Sam Houston golf team. Alongside these roles, he managed the university's "Country Campus" golf course. His excellence as a coach would become legendary. Under his leadership, the golf team surged to the national stage, claiming the NAIA National Championship in Augusta, Georgia in 1964, and finishing second at the NAIA National Tournament in 1975, among many other accomplishments.

He coached under 7 SHSU Presidents accumulating a total of 43 years over two stints and directed the Bearkats to four consecutive NAIA national championships from 1978 to 1981. He was honored as national coach of the year each of those seasons. He won nine conference titles during his years as coach before retiring in 1994. Throughout his career, Ronnie received numerous accolades reflecting his impact on collegiate sports, including induction into the Sam Houston State University Hall of Honor in 1981, the National Golf Coaches Association in 2009, and the Texas Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.

He returned as interim head coach in the spring of 2008, after the men's and women's teams were without a coach. He ended up staying for an additional five years, retiring for the final time in 2013. In his career, Ronnie earned league coach of the year honors 13 times in three conferences. Ronnie's leadership and vision extended into athletic administration when he became Athletic Director at Sam Houston State University in 1992, a position he held with distinction for five years.

In his retirement years at Elkins Lake, he mastered the art of relaxation—"learning to do nothing, and doing it well"—content in the lifelong companionship of Janice and the company of family and friends.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carolyn Chase. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janice; their sons, David Choate, Dean Choate and his wife Lisa; grandchildren Ryan, Reagen, Hogan, and Gracie; and 4 great-grandchildren along with his brother-in-law James Chase; brother-in-law Eddie Philpott; sister-in-law Weida Philpott along with his nieces and nephews.

Ronnie's legacy endures in the many lives he influenced, the championships he brought home, and the love he shared with those closest to him. His extraordinary journey serves as a testament to the enduring values of dedication, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of others.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, August 3, 2026 at First Christian Church in Huntsville, Texas beginning at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Ronnie's honor made to:

Elby D. & Imogene Choate Golf Enrichment Endowment

Checks should be made payable to Sam Houston State University with endowment name in the memo

Mail to: University Advancement, Box 2357, Huntsville, TX 77341-2537

Texas Golf Hall of Fame, 448 West 19th Street - Box 1082, Houston, TX 77008

https://texasgolfhof.app.neoncrm.com/forms/37