Ronald Phillip Widener

    A memorial service for Ronald Phillip Widener will be held today at 11 a.m. at the Peasant Hill United Methodist Church, 4809 Bell Hill Road, Bessemer, Ala., with the Rev. Alan Head officiating. Visitation will follow in the church fellowship hall.

    Mr. Widnener, 72, of McCalla, Ala., who was a longtime music educator and professional trumpet player, died Saturday, September 4, 2010, at his home after a brief illness.

    A native of Birmingham, Ala., Widener played trumpet throughout his life with many different orchestras and bands. In Birmingham, he played with the Harrison Cooper Orchestra and the Joe Giattina Orchestra. After moving to Meridian in 1984, he played with Carey Smith and Friends, the MCC Jazz and Concert Bands, the Meridian Little Theater, and Barry Gray, Bob Holcombe Group. Returning to Birmingham in 2005, he continued to play with the Joe Giattina Orchestra, as well as SuperJazz Celebration Winds and a number of other musical venues.

    Following graducation from Shades Valley High School, Widener received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Alabama where he was a member of the Million Dollar Band and the “Cavaliers” jazz band.

    He served as band director for many years at Thompson High School in Alabaster, Ala., and at Erwin High School in Center Point, Ala. Later in Meridian, he was manager of Arby’s Restaurant for more than 20 years.

    He is survived by his wife, Karen Payne Norris Widener of McCalla, son Ronald P. Widener, Jr., and his wife Ester and six children, of Tallahassee, Fla., a daughter, Melinda W. Schaefer and her husband, Martin, and their two children, of Tallahassee, Fla., a son, Jonathan S. Payne and his wife, Caroline and their four children of Huntsville, Ala., son, Jeffrey S. Payne and his wife, Johnette, and their four children, of McCalla, and son Jason W. Norris and his wife, Amanda, and their child, of Springville, Ala., a sister, Terry Widener Wade and her husband, Dr. Stanley A. Wade of Meridian, nephews, S. Allen Wade, Jr., and his wife Sharon, of Meridian, and Dr. Brian K. Wade and his wife Ivy and their two children, of Birmingham, Ala.

    He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas K. Widener and Bobbye Widener, longtime Birmingham residents who later lived in Meridian.

    Mr. Widener will be long remembered by his family, friends, fellow musicians, and former students for his cheerful outlook, quick wit and many talents as a musician, composer and teacher. The family would like to thank Evercare Hospice and its wonderful staff for their capable and compassionate care during his illness.