Ronald D. Major was born on October 16,1940 in Sarasota, Florida. Ronnie, as he was affectionately called, grew up in Detroit and was educated in the Detroit Public School System; however, he enjoyed summer vacations spent in Sarasota. The son of Marie & John Major, III (deceased), Ronnie was the eldest brother to Reginald "Duke", John (deceased), and Joan. Having early exposure to mentors in the service industry, he developed a passion to work and serve in his community. He developed his talent as a musician in Detroit and sang and performed with a group later known as the Temptations. Ronnie graduated from Northwestern High School in 1958 and earned full scholarships in basketball and football to Kentucky State College, where he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Drafted out of college to fight in the Vietnam War, Ron joined the Army and became a Paratrooper for the 101st Airborne, at Ft. Campbell, KY. He was promoted to sergeant while fighting in Vietnam, later re-enlisting and became a Green Beret. He received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for heroism after destroying an enemy bunker and getting injured by an enemy bayonet. Upon completing his tour of duty, he became a Drill Sergeant Instructor at Ft. Dix, New Jersey. Once returning to Sarasota, Ronnie worked as a police officer for the Sarasota Police Department and later was employed by the Sarasota County Public School District teaching physical education and coaching basketball and football. His Booker High School Basketball Team won the 1978 Florida State Championship.

Ronald Major relocated to Miami in 1979 and furthered his educational studies, graduating from Florida Memorial and Nova Southeastern Universities, earning a Bachelor and Master of Science Degree. He met and married Betty Dawsey and together they started a dedicated life of worship and service at New Way Fellowship Praise and Worship Center. Ron became active in the VFW Post 8195, and was honored to serve as a mentor for the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. As an administrator, he served as an assistant principal at Miami Central High School, and was promoted to principal of Miami Edison Middle School where he oversaw its rebuilding project. His many accomplishments at Miami Edison earned him the honor of Rookie Principal of the Year in 1996. Afterwards, he became principal of Miami Jackson High School and later retired from the School of Applied Technology/5000 Role Models. As a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal, Ron "adopted" several young men from each of his schools and provided mentorship and fatherhood experiences. In 2007, Ronnie retired, and he and Betty relocated to Lakeland, Florida, where he was an active member of New Bethel A.M.E. Church. He worked tirelessly as a mentor with the youth ministry. It was his passion for singing that led him to the music ministry, where he fully dedicated himself to the Male Choir, Harambee Choir,  the West Coast Conference Choir of the A.M.E. 11th Episcopal District, and the Sons of Allen Choirs until his untimely death on July 26, 2015.

Ronnie always credited his loving wife Betty as his source of inspiration. He is survived by his children, Julie Dickerson, Carl Dickerson, Ronnique Major Hundley, Rashea Major Johnson, grandchildren, Courtney, Eddie Hundley, II, Carl Jr., and was the godfather to Willie Howard and Paula Newkirk.