Ronald Phillip Tyson affectionally known as Ronnie was born on March 30, 1945, in Barberton, Ohio to the union of TB Tyson and Elda Mae Carr Tyson.

He graduated from South High School in Akron, Ohio in 1964. He attended the University of Akron where he was a premier student athlete which he rose to change the platform for all African Americans while he was there. In 1966, Ronnie, a football running back, broke records as soon as he stepped foot inside the Rubber Bowl. In the same season, he rushed for over 278 yards: breaking the University record by 70 yards. He was later named Zips Athlete of the Year.  Ronnie moved to San Diego, California where he worked as an Insurance Agent at the Golden State Insurance Company and became a licensed cosmetologist. Ronnie enjoyed hanging out with his family and friends sharing good times and a lot of laughs.  He liked playing tennis, traveling, and watching sports. Ronnie was known to wander around the country taking many photographs of everywhere he went.

He is preceded in death by his parents, TB Tyson and Elda Mae Carr Tyson and his brother Gerald (Jerry) Tyson.

Ronnie leaves to cherish his memories  daughter, Alise (Lisa) Merritt-Hardison, bonus daughter, Dawn Merritt; sister, Ronda Tyson all of Akron, nieces Charise Tyson Gaffney of Cleveland, Tracy (James) Tyson-Parker of Blacklick, Ohio; nephew Rodney (Latasha) Tyson of Akron; and two special aunts Addie (Sis) Gibson and Iola Rue of Akron; and a host of relatives and friends who will cherish memories of his within their hearts.