Ronald "Ronnie" Neal Hornbeck

Ronald "Ronnie" Neal Hornbeck, 84, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, at MD Anderson in Houston, following time with family and with his son, Ash, and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, by his side. 

Born in Houston on December 12, 1940, Ronnie spent his early childhood in the Heights, where he and his brothers gained early life lessons in hard work and determination from their parents. The family's weekend trips to Port Bolivar soon became permanent, and by the mid-1950s, the Hornbecks had become full-time coastal residents, beginning a multi-generational commitment to the Bolivar Peninsula-Galveston communities and the Texas seafood industry. 

From a young age, Ronnie embodied the spirit of independence and hard work that would define his life. At just 12 years old, he captained his own bait boat. In high school, he worked for the family business while building and racing hotrods as a hobby – a passion he never stopped thinking about, even after Hurricane Carla swept away his hotrods. After graduating from Ball High School in Galveston, he continued his fishing career, shrimping and oystering, always striving to be the top producer. 

A true entrepreneur, Ronnie was employed by others only a few times in his 70-plus working years. He made his living on his own terms—shrimping, hauling dirt, unloading boats, selling bait, and building and operating Hornbeck Seafood Company in Port Bolivar from the early 1980s until his retirement in 2011. He operated many boats but cherished his "Sea Fox" until 1983, when he sold it and no longer took the "big trips," though his love of the seafood business never left him. 

Ronnie thrived on challenges. Whether perfecting a net to fish more efficiently, adjusting trawl doors to drag just right, or reading weather patterns to predict shrimp movements, his mind was always working. He represented the Texas seafood industry's interests in Austin for over 40 years, advocating for laws that balanced fishermen's livelihoods with sustainable harvests. He eventually served on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Shrimp Advisory Committee in the 2000s. 

To those who knew him, Ronnie was the man you called when no one else could solve a problem. His legendary collection of "good junk" meant he could usually find exactly the right tool or part to fix just about anything. If equipment failed and stumped everyone else, they brought it to Ronnie—and he'd figure it out. 

Beyond his skills and work ethic, Ronnie was known for his kind heart. He mentored countless deckhands over the years, working hard alongside them and sharing in the bounty of successful catches. He took many people under his wing—on and off the water, offering a listening ear and wisdom earned through a life of ups, downs, and lessons learned. He was always willing to help when and how he could. 

After retiring from Hornbeck Seafood, he purchased land next to his brothers in Weldon, TX. While he did occasionally still hunt, in his later years he derived the most enjoyment from watching and feeding the deer and other animals on the property.

Ronnie lived life on his own terms—fiercely independent, endlessly resourceful, and deeply generous. From the young boy captaining his first boat to the respected industry advocate and beloved mentor, he built a legacy not just in the seafood business, but in the countless lives he touched with his kindness, his wisdom, and his unwavering willingness to help those in need. He will be deeply missed by his family, his community, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. 

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, James Milton and Wanda Hornbeck; his eldest brother, Jimmy Hornbeck, and sister-in-law, Nana Hornbeck; and his long-time partner, Phyllis Walker. 

He is survived by his son, Ash Hornbeck, and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Hornbeck of Shenandoah; three grandchildren, Colby, Ashton, and Sarah-Marie Hornbeck of Shenandoah; his stepson, Joe Downing, and wife, Susan Downing of Spring Branch; his brother, Larry Hornbeck, and sister-in-law, Joan Hornbeck of Weldon; and 6 nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives he touched. 

Visitation will be held Friday, November 21, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at J. Levy & Termini Funeral Home, 2128 Broadway, Galveston. 

A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Port Bolivar Community Cemetery, 4077 Highway 87, Port Bolivar. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Port Bolivar Cemetery, P.O. Box 9, Port Bolivar, TX 77650, or The Richmond State School, 2100 Preston Street, Richmond, TX 77469. 

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Bubba Werner, Ronnie's decades-long friend, for always being there for him and to his nieces Barbara and Linda for their devoted care—driving him to doctor appointments and helping him through these final months.

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