Ralton Lassels Peterson Tennant, known to close relatives and friends as “Ralty,” died peacefully in Port
Charlotte, Florida, on December 24, 2024, at the age of 77.

Ralton is survived by his wife, Barbara Tennant; his children, Ralton Jr., Michael, Omar, Amanda, and Andrew; his grandchildren, Rachel, Isaiah, Ashley, Miosotis, Darren, Talia, Maxine, Naya, Christina, Omar, Elijah, Jah’zion, Destiny, and Dominic; his great-grandchildren, Karma and Evelyn; and his sister, Ivylyn.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Mildred; his brother, John; and his sons, Christopher and Darren. Ralton was born in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, to Lilabelle Tennant and James Legg. He graduated from Mulgrave Elementary and Middle School. As a young man, he developed an interest in the arts, spending time working in movie theaters and singing in local doo-wop groups to earn a living and for fun. At the age of 9, he began apprenticing as an upholsterer under Vin Barrett. After moving to Kingston, Jamaica, he met his sweetheart and future wife, Barbara, while both were teens commuting on the local bus. The two
fell in love and soon after had three boys in Jamaica: Ralton Jr. (known as Robin), Audley (known as Darren), and Christopher (known as Dean). Barbara and Ralton married in 1976.

At 20, he and his wife applied for, and he was granted a “trade worker” visa, beginning their family’s immigration journey to America. After gaining his footing in America, Ralton was joined by his wife, Barbara, and eventually their three sons. He secured various jobs in upholstery, learning and saving along the way. In 1977, Ralton bought his company, Royal Cushions and Upholstery, from his former boss. Together, Ralton and Barbara raised their three boys and had a fourth son, Michael, in 1983.  Ralton was also the father of Omar, Amanda, and Andrew, born between 1979 and 1986.

Though Ralton and Barbara faced many challenges in their relationship, what stands out most is how they overcame those challenges as maturing young adults, immigrants, parents, and mutual caregivers to one another in their old age. Together, Ralton and Barbara secured three homes across New York, Florida, and Jamaica, providing mutual care for one another emotionally and financially until his last day. His children and grandchildren remember him as a funny, loving, and proud provider who never let
anyone stay hungry in his home for too long or leave without a spare plate.

Ralton was passionate about the Tennant family. He was always ready to lend an ear or a supporting hand to siblings, nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family. He enjoyed tending to routines with his wife, watching news from Jamaica, enjoying old films from his youth, playing dominoes with friends, dancing when the mood struck, and making his favorite dishes to “eat his food at home.”

At Ralton’s request, he is being cremated. A Visitation will be held for Ralton beginning at 9 a.m. at Port Charlotte Faith Seventh-Day Adventist Church, followed by funeral service at 10 a.m., with reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the family GoFundMe to support funeral arrangements: https://gofund.me/d2ea80f3

Friends may visit www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.