In Loving Memory of Ronnie Xavier Burns II

May 30, 2003 – August 2, 2025

On August 2, 2025, the world lost a remarkable young man, Ronnie Xavier Burns II, whose light shone brightly in every room he entered. His spirit, love, and devotion left an indelible mark on everyone privileged to know him.

Born in Dallas, Texas, to the loving parents Ronnie Xavier Burns and Kimberly Nelson Burns, Ronnie was a vibrant child—curious, energetic, and exceptionally articulate. At the age of five, he accepted Christ and was baptized by Dr. Karry D. Wesley at Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained actively involved throughout his life.

Ronnie had an early affinity for technology—able to program phones and computers as young as four. His love for learning was matched by his athleticism. He played baseball for the Cedar Hill Cubs and the North Texas Venom, and football for the Pleasant Grove Lions and Redbird Raiders. Academically gifted, he was identified for the Gifted and Talented program in Duncanville ISD and recognized by Duke University’s Talent Identification Program, which led to his participation in several computer coding camps.

In middle school, Ronnie’s gift for communication sparked a passion for politics. With encouragement from his father and teachers, he joined Youth and Government, where he authored mock legislation on key societal issues—one of which addressed the then-radical idea of paying college athletes, now a reality. Ronnie was also an early advocate for cryptocurrency, urging his father to invest in Bitcoin long before it became mainstream. He played trombone in the school band and participated in the STEM program, including robotics and programming.

At Antioch, Ronnie’s faith flourished. He was an active youth leader—serving in the youth choir, Bible study, summer youth program, Boys to Men and the Crave Conference, where he served as a Conference Leader. His deep love of Scripture was nurtured through Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). He was honored with the K.D. Wesley Scholarship to support his education at Florida A&M University (FAMU).

In high school, Ronnie was accepted into the inaugural class of The Duncanville High School Collegiate Academy, graduating in 2021 with his Associate Degree. He remained a leader in Youth and Government, DECA, football, and campus ministry. His academic success earned him over $500,000 in scholarships from institutions nationwide.

After graduating from High School, Ronnie proudly took his talents to Florida A&M University, where he studied Computer Science. He quickly made a name for himself, earning the Computer Science Department Scholarship, Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship, and one of only two Inaugural EA Sports Madden Scholarship Recipients—the latter featured in Black Enterprise Magazine. During the summer of 2024, he had the opportunity to intern at Liberty Mutual, where he gained valuable experience. He was part of the Computer Science Living-Learning Community and joined Collegiate 100 as a member of the PRISTINE 15 class, an accomplishment he held dear to his heart.

Ronnie served as a Resident Assistant (RA) from 2022 to 2025, being honored as Mr. Res-Life (2022–23) and Staff of the Year (2023–24). He also co-founded the FWPC Prayer Group, serving as Vice President—continuing to prioritize his spiritual growth and fellowship even during college.

In the Spring of 2023, Ronnie was initiated into the Alpha Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., inspired and encouraged by one of his mentors, Dwayne Browder, and his great-uncle, Wayne Ingram, Sr.  He embodied the fraternity’s motto of achievement in every field of human endeavor. Ronnie was proud and honored to serve alongside his brothers of KΑΨ.  He chaired the Miss Kappa Alpha Psi Pageant, co-hosted the Homecoming Greek Step Show, and proudly represented his chapter across campus. As a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Yard Ambassador, he traveled the U.S. representing the Leadership Institute and advocating for HBCUs. He was also a member of the Texas Club, won Mr. AKA BA Bachelor, and served as an ambassador for the Computer Information Systems Department.

Ronnie was passionate about innovation and participated in coding and hackathon competitions nationwide. Most recently, he and his team won first place in the Chevron Energy Innovation Summit, each earning a $7,000 scholarship.

On May 3, 2025, Ronnie graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from FAMU. He accepted a software engineering position with Mastercard in Atlanta, Georgia, set to begin on August 11. Full of excitement for the future, he would lovingly joke with his mother, “Mom, I have real bills now, I have to budget.”

Ronnie’s legacy is one of love, service, academic excellence, spiritual commitment, and deep connection. His passing leaves a tremendous void, but his impact will live on in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

Ronnie departed this life with his line brother, Jayden Flemming, by his side. Ronnie and Jayden met during their freshman year at FAMU and quickly became lifelong and eternal friends.

Ronnie leaves to cherish his memory his loving parents, Ronnie Xavier Burns and Kimberly Nelson Burns; his beloved siblings, Amaya Xavie’ Burns and Nelson Xavien Burns; his paternal grandfather, Lonell (Jan) Burns; his grandmother, Martha Burns Braggs; and his maternal grandparents, Henry Nelson and Annie Ingram Nelson.

Also cherishing his memory are a host of devoted and supportive great-aunts and great-uncles, aunts and uncles, numerous cousins, extended family members, his fraternity brothers, classmates, and many dear friends.

                               “We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work” John 9:4 (AMP)

Live Streaming of Memorial Service tap on link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/nV0U0RZYVqQ?si=63PPObKQCGKQ_DD1