Ronald Henry Orwick

Ronald Henry Orwick, aged 83, passed away peacefully, in his home, under the loving care of his daughter Amy and with Hosparus on Thursday, May 21st, 2026. A lifelong educator, coach, and musician, he leaves behind a legacy defined by his devotion to his family and an unwavering passion for learning.

He graduated from DeSales High School, playing baseball, football, and basketball, and Bellarmine College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, playing baseball for them.

He dedicated 33 years to teaching at both Bishop David (Holy Cross), and predominantly Butler Traditional High School, shaping the minds of countless students. His commitment to youth extended to coaching, especially the football field, where he coached for many years, reaching a City Championship with St. Helens, and achieving two state championships in 1970 and 1979 on the Butler High School football staff. Beyond the classroom and the field, he was a man of diverse interests. He was a lifelong learner who never stopped pursuing knowledge. He was also an accomplished musician who found great joy in playing music, mostly notably on his guitar and writing music, ultimately recording over 180 original songs he called his StorySongPoems, along with songs celebrating local pride such as “Pitino’s Bombinos” (written for the 1989-90 Kentucky Wildcats team) which was played as the seniors came on to the floor on Senior night at Rupp Arena, and “Doing Something Good for Louisville” (written for the 1991 Louisville Cardinal Football team after beating Alabama in the Fiesta Bowl) which merited him a Key to the City of Louisville by Mayor Jerry Abramson, and “Louistucky CardCats” (written to celebrate the success both Louisville and Kentucky men’s basketball teams achieved in the 2012 NCAA tournament). He loved spending time in Mexico and loved Mexican culture and teaching English at the Learning Center at Churchill Downs after retirement from his teaching career. Above all, he loved his family, and always took great pride in providing for them his whole life. His favorite reminder was that “Life is but anticipation and memories”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy Sr. and Mildred Orwick; his son, Christopher Orwick; his granddaughters, Emily and Lindsey Orwick; his brothers, Leroy Jr. and Donnie Orwick; his sister, Marlene Hechmer and her husband, John; and his brother-in-law, Louis (Mac) McDonald.

He is survived by his children, Amy Wheatley and Marty (Gena) Orwick; his grandchildren, Zachary (Jasmine) Walsh, Sydney Walsh, Alyssa (Matt) Craven, Dane Wheatley, Chloe Orwick, Ashlynn Orwick, and Logan Orwick; his siblings, Darlene McDonald, Kenny (Suzie) Orwick, and Martin (Sara) Orwick; and his sisters-in-law, Debbie Orwick and Pat Schuster, and a cherished friendship with Sandy and Larry Wapelhorst. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life at on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Ott's Tavern, 4229 Hillview Avenue, Louisville, KY 40216 from 12pm-6pm.

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