“He had a smile, character, very charismatic. He was one of a kind,” said childhood friend Officer Brian Gaiters.
FORT WORTH, Texas — The front of the funeral program for 35-year-old Ronnie Sibley and his 5-year-old daughter R’Mani read “Gone But Not Forgotten” as hundreds gathered at Great Commission Baptist Church in Fort Worth Thursday to celebrate their lives.
Placed outside the front doors of the sanctuary, were larger-than-life photos of the father and daughter adorned with a red carpet walkway. The soulful sounds of violinist extraordinaire Richmond Punch filled the air, setting a somber yet uplifting tone for the service.
The celebration of life included caskets wrapped with images of Ronnie also known as “Chuckie” and R’Mani, music, and heartfelt remarks. The father and daughter will be buried together in the same casket.
Friends and family shared memories that brought both tears and laughter. Fashanet Smith, a family friend, added a touch of humor to her tribute.
“Chuckie, I know you got your baby girl, and you better figure out how to do those baby hairs while y’all are up there,” Smith said. “We love y’all and will miss y’all forever.”
Perhaps the most touching remarks came from Sibley’s childhood friend, Fort Worth Officer Brian Gaiters.
“He had a smile, character, very charismatic. He was one of a kind. There are not many that come from where we come from and succeed. Chuckie was one of those who succeeded for sure,” Gaiters said.
Having known Sibley for more than 25 years, Gaiters recalled the devastating moment he learned of his friend’s death. On the day of the shooting, while preparing to serve search warrants, Gaiters received the news.
“They called to tell me what had happened. I immediately started crying, broke down, and ten minutes later we got a call that they needed our help out there in Forest Hill,” Gaiters said. “My lieutenant told me, ‘Gaiters, you stay in the office. You can’t go out there and see that.’”
On March 3, the Fort Worth rapper was vacuuming his vehicle at Slappy’s Car Wash at 6500 Forest Hill Drive when police say the two men opened fire and chased him.
Sibley’s daughter was in the car when at least three bullets went through the windshield, killing the Crowley ISD kindergartener. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.
Authorities arrested 21-year-old Jakobie Russell and 24-year-old Adonis Robinson on capital murder charges. While there were no reported threats of ongoing violence, Fort Worth authorities provided additional security at the service.
Pastor Andrew Kirkland delivered a moving and spirit-filled song in memory of the father and daughter. Pastor Charlie Nickerson gave the eulogy, offering words of comfort and reflection.
Following the service, pallbearers carried the caskets out to the rhythm of music, as family and friends said their final goodbyes.
