Ron Nay, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, football executive, coach, athlete, Marine, and mentor whose life was defined by leadership, toughness, and a deep love of family and sports, passed away on May 15, 2026, surrounded by family, leaving the legacy of his remarkable life on earth. He was 86 years old.

A Memorial service will be held at 2:00PM Sunday, May 24, 2026, at First Baptist Church Sterlington with Rev. Ben Hackler officiating.

Throughout his life, Ron was respected not only for his eye for talent and football knowledge, but most importantly for his spirituality, integrity, loyalty, and willingness to help others. Ron was especially loved for his quick wit, his corny jokes and his deep devotion to his family, his unwavering love for those closest to him, , and the special joy he found in children. For Ron, on earth, there was nothing more important than family. The greatest story of his life was the one he built alongside his beloved wife, Bonnie, and the deep love he shared with their children and grandchildren. No professional accomplishment ever meant more to him than the time spent with those he loved most. Family and his faith for the Lord and Savior was the center of Ron’s world, and his humor, and constant support will remain a lasting gift to all who knew him. We would also be quite negligent not to mention another great love of his, most of the time, golf.

Ronald Walton Nay was born in Lusk, Wyoming on March 13, 1940, to the proud parents of Walton and Mazie Nay. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sherry Acker; and stepson Michael Moreau.

Ron Nay displayed extraordinary athletic ability from an early age. He attended Powell High School from 1955 to 1958, earning letters in football, basketball, and track. Following high school, Ron signed professionally with the St. Louis Cardinals organization and spent two seasons in the minor leagues. During that time, he played alongside future great Tim McCarver.

In 1960, Ron enrolled at Westminster College, where he established himself as one of the school’s outstanding football players. Excelling as both a running back and a defensive back, he also became recognized nationally as one of the top punters in the country. In 1961, he earned small college All-American honors. After graduation, he received an opportunity with Dallas Cowboys, who evaluated him as both a punter and defensive back before a late roster cut ended his playing aspirations in the NFL.

Ron joined the United States Marine Corps in 1964, where he again distinguished himself athletically and personally. He earned selection to the All-Marine football team and was voted both team captain and most valuable player, reflecting the leadership qualities and competitive spirit that would define his life.

His coaching career began in 1966 as an assistant coach at Claremont Mudd College. In 1967, he was hired by coach Mike Giddings at the University of Utah. A year later, Ron returned to his alma mater. Westminster, where he served as head coach of both football and baseball for two years. His success there led legendary coach Pepper Rodgers to hire him in 1970, and later followed Rodgers to University of California, Los Angeles.

Ron transitioned into the NFL in 1972 as a combine scout, beginning a long and respected career in professional football personnel. In 1977, he joined the San Diego Chargers organization, serving in multiple scouting and executive roles before becoming Director of Football Operations.

In 1987, Ron joined the New York Jets, where he spent nine years working alongside his close friend Marv Sunderland. He later spent one season with the Philadelphia Eagles organization.

After years spent traveling the country scouting talent, Ron retired to spend more time with his wife and family. He also coached high school football at Christian High School, a role he deeply enjoyed. Yet football remained in his blood, and in 1997, he accepted a position in pro personnel with the Washington Redskins Organization. He later became director of College Scouting, a role he held until retiring in 2003.

Ron is survived by the true love, anchor of his life, and wife of 47 years, Bonnie (Foreman) Nay; son, Ty Nay and wife Alexis; stepdaughter, Lisa Moreau; sister-in-law, Dixie Albritton; grandchildren, Shea (Moreau) and husband Michael McMahon, Lindsay (Moreau) Stevens and husband Collin Stevens, Grant Moreau, Autumn Nay, Tyler Nay, Abigail Nay, Fred Robles, Mario Contreas, Johnny Heinkel, Chrissy (Heinkel) Baron and husband Jonathan, and Wesley Heinkel and wife Ivory; great granddaughter, Quinn Mahon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to First Baptist Church Sterlington Building Fund at 1030 Hwy 2, Sterlington, LA 71280 or to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.