Ron Byron Halvorsen, Sr.

Ron B. Halvorsen (Halversen), Sr., 77, of Crystal River, Florida passed away Friday, May 15, 2015. Ron was born January 18, 1938 in Brooklyn, New York to William and Adele "Jones" Halvorsen. Elder Halvorsen grew up in the asphalt jungle of New York City where he waged turf wars on its brutal streets in the notorious Beachcomber Gang, and boxed his way to a Golden Glove Championship in the ring. Although he spent his early years on the run, the one thing he couldn’t outrun was he unconditional love and grace of Jesus Christ, giving his heart to God in 1954. Ron attended Atlantic Union College and studied to become a minister. While there, a young woman named Carrol LaMountain captured his heart and became the love of his life; they married in 1957. In September of this year, they would have celebrated fifty-eight yearsof {years of} wedded bliss. Despite his sortied {storied} early years, Elder Halvorsen wanted people to focus on the story of how Jesus redeemed his life from the dead-end street to give him the gift of eternal life-a life filled with abundant hope and a future. His obsession for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ made Elder Halvorsen a force for God. But it was his love for people that made him a force for good. He and Carrol traveled timelessly {tirelessly} around the world as a team for fifty-eight years sharing the Good News, resulting in thousands of people giving their hearts to God and living with the hope of Christ’s soon return. Elder Halvorsen served the Lord as a dynamic preacher, author, and prayer warrior. His life and work were authentic; he was real. He spoke the truth, and lived with passion. He was a lover of God, people and life. Everyone from old to the young considered him a friend. His love for Christ never waned or wavered even during life’s darkest moments. His faith was unshakable because his love for Jesus was undying. His love for family was generus {generous} faithful and constant. He was their leader, shepherd, protector, mentor, hero, and friend. He was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a friend to anyone searching for the hope of a better life. He is survived by his wife Carrol LaMountain Halvorsen and two children, Ron Byron Halvorsen Jr., spouse Buffy Vercio Halvorsen; daughter Diane Caryl Halvorsen, spouse Peter Tsichlis. Four gandchildren: Ronnie Byron Halvorsen III, spouse Josie Thamas Halvorsen; William Byron Halvorsen, spouse Donielle Anavitarte Halvorsen; Kelsey Diane Halvorsen Berkihiser, spouse Ricky Berkihiser; Stephanie Beth Halvorsen Parrish, spouse Doug Parrish. Great grandhildren: Noah Grey Halvorsen, two years old; Katelynne Diane Halvorsen, two years old. Elder Halvorsen fought the good fight and finished the race. And now there is stored up for him in heaven a crown with many stars, a testament to the grace of Jesus Christ and a life well-lived in humble service to our Lord. The next sound he will hear is the voice of his Forever Friend calling him forth from the grave victorious over death. On that day, Elder Halvorsen will be reunited with Carrol to celebrate the joy of eternity with his family and the countless thousands who called him friend. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to: c/o Evangelism Ohio Conference of SDA PO Box 1230 Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 Prior to sending any flowers or gifts to the family -- Please call DeGusipe Funeral Home at 407-695-2273.

Ron Byron Halvorsen, Sr.

January 18, 1938 - May 15, 2015