The late great football coach Vince Lombardi once said, “the measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.”
As Dr. Ron Boney crosses over into retirement this week, and a friend to so many in Weatherford and beyond, he can rest easy. Since moving to Weatherford in 1969 he has done a lot with what hes had.
Some know him as a clinical psychologist but it wasn’t always that way. It fact, it was when he met his wife Catherine, while attending Howard Payne University in Brownwood, that the two decided to move to Weatherford in 1969 and serve as the youth and music ministers at Friendship Baptist Church.
Later, Boney attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, while simultaneously attending North Texas State University in Denton.
“I completed my Masters in Religious Education from SWBTS in 1972 and later completed my Masters in Clinical Psychology from UNT in 1974,” Boney said. “I then went to work as the Program Director for the Alcohol Recovery Center, a division of Tarrant County MHMR.”
It wasn’t long before he became the Program Coordinator for Pecan Valley MHMR. After working five years in the field as a Psychological Associate, Boney decided it was time to enter his Doctorate studies at the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego.
“I received my PhD in 1982 and completed a Post Doctoral Internship at Tarrant County MHMR,” he said. “I was Licensed by the Texas State Board of Psychologist in 1983 and began my private practice at that time.”
Over the years Boney said much has changed in the field of psychology since he first began.
“Psychology has changed significantly through the years with the introduction of Managed Health Care and the Affordable Health Care Act,” he said. “Insurance companies have become far too invasive in the health care delivery system and outside forces often ration care. Treatment decisions are often dictated by a system that is not involved with the patient.”
Despite those changes, Boney said he will take with him “memorable moments” as he witnessed many patients making significant lifestyle changes, resulting in a significant improvement in their quality of life.
“I will truly miss the relationships I have developed with my patients through the years of service,” Boney said. “Sharing in their life stories has been very touching, and life changing for me, as they have invited me to share their journey through life.”
Boney said he enjoyed serving on the Weatherford School Board in the late 90's; and that Weatherford was a wonderful place for he and Catherine to raise their two children.
“I look forward to sharing more time with Catherine and my family,” Boney said. “There are many places on my "bucket list" I hope to visit. I will also enjoy fully landscaping our home.”
He said he’s taken five golf lessons in his life and looks forward to quality time with good friends “playing at" a game he always said he would never enjoy.
Lance Winter: 817-594-9902, Ext. 102,
Twitter: @LanceWinter
Some of his friends say...
▪ Dr. Bob Penny
I have been blessed to call Ron a friend for many years so I can tell you with the highest degree of certainty that Ron is an exceptionally gifted, highly intelligent, and endlessly caring individual. He is a man of great faith who is also faithfully devoted to his beautiful wife and two children. Because of his humble demeanor, few would know that he completed seminary training prior to establishing his practice as a clinical psychologist.
Ron has a passion for serving and helping others both on a community level and also an individual level. I always thought it was funny that Dr Boney got paid to be himself – a kindhearted and caring encourager.
Ron has a great sense of humor and is quick witted. On one occasion I was experiencing maximum stress and early in the morning Ron called asking if he could take me to lunch. I agreed and in a few minutes he arrived at my front door. "Get dressed, we are headed to lunch." Three hours later, we arrived at a steakhouse in Lowake, Texas. Needless to say, he had me relaxed and laughing like crazy.
For nearly 40 years, Dr. Boney has touched and shaped so many lives in and around our community. Even though he is retiring, Dr Bones will always continue to leave an indelible mark of love, generosity, and positive support and concern for others.
▪ Vickie Combs said shes known the Boneys more than 40 years.
“Ron Boney was hired as the youth/music director at Friendship Baptist Church of Weatherford where I attended church. His wife Catherine played the piano. They lived on some property near my parents, Ben and Dora Long. He is a fine human being with a great heart.
As a youth, I loved Ron and Catherine so much that I just wanted to hangout with them whenever they would let me. We played tennis a lot and I was always amazed that Ron and Catherine would walk up to the net and get in a quick kiss before the next game.
As a young teenager, he had a profound influence on my life and has helped me become who I am today. He had helped a lot of people with challenges in their life.
▪ Rachel Johnson
“I really respected and admired Dr. Boney,” said Johnson, who had served with [Boney] on the school board. “He was attentive, well prepared, compassionate and a good listener. He was a joy to work with.”
▪ Ben Long
We have known the Boneys for more than 40 years beginning when he was youth director at Friendship Baptist Church. He and Catherine have always been the example any person can appreciate. Dora an I helped them with a place to live early on and we enjoyed visiting with them. I would not hesitate to ask them for help on any matter. Our church and our community is a better place because of Dr. Boney and Catherine.
▪ If you would like to share how much Dr. Boney has meant to you share it on Facebook at Weatherford Star-Telegram. While there “Like” us.