DATE: Sunday, November 16, 1997             TAG: 9711140236

SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN             PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: 20 QUESTIONS 

SOURCE: BY SCOTT MCCASKEY, CORRESPONDENT 

                                            LENGTH:   84 lines

RONNIE ROUNTREE OWNER, ROUNTREE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Ronnie Rountree had few funds when he left his job at the Virginia Department of Transportation in 1972 to start his own construction company. Since that time, the Suffolk native has nurtured Rountree Construction Company Inc. into a 100-plus employee operation that serves all of Tidewater and localities around the state and in North Carolina. He also owns Bennett's Creek Florist and has a business at Sleepy Hole Golf Course.

``I give the Lord all the credit for my success,'' said Rountree, a robust man of 54. ``I look back now and know the Lord had a plan for me right after I left my highway job.''

Rountree and his wife, Diane, both devout Christians, are active members of Nansemond River Baptist Church, where he is a deacon and she a Sunday school teacher. Although busy with his multiple businesses, Rountree still finds the opportunity to contribute to his church and community.

``Grass doesn't grow under his feet, but he still has time for people,'' said Pastor Tim L. Piland of Rountree. ``He's very generous, and has business sense, but is people-minded.''

Rountree has long-contributed to area little leagues and high school sports teams, noting that he just ``enjoys giving back to the community he grew up in.''

Watching and experiencing Suffolk grow has been good for business, but the entrepreneur still likes the country side of life.

``I love the rural charm,'' said Rountree, who has a home on two acres in the Bennett's Creek area. ``I'd still rather have the space.''

Rountree likes to keep his family close, however. His second-oldest daughter, Renee, works at Rountree Construction and at Sleepy Hole Golf Course. His wife and daughter-in-law run the floral shop.

But three operations are just not enough for Rountree, who is building a new golf course in the Harbour View section. He also recently bought Village Supplies in Newport News and Williamsburg.

``The stores have had a long tradition, but they've kind of gone down of late,'' Rountree said. ``I like to take things that have fallen on hard times and build them back up.''

Despite his busy work schedule, Rountree stops into Bunny's Restaurant on Wilroy Road at least four times a week, a ritual he's been doing for years. He said he likes to talk about the old days with the many seniors that frequent the establishment.

``Ronnie is one-of-a-kind,'' said longtime employee Nell O. Evans, Bunny's daughter. ``He's everyone's sincere friend and really cares about people. That type of person is hard to find these days.''

What brought you here? I was born and raised in Suffolk.

Birthdate/hometown: March 18, 1943/Suffolk

Fondest childhood memory: Going to Dallas-Fort Worth with two busloads of boys from Tidewater for a church convention.

Marital status: Married to Diane for 33 years, four children and five grandchildren, with one on the way.

Pets: Sambo the cat.

First job/worst job: Laborer-VDOT/laborer-VDOT.

Occupation: Contractor, owner Rountree Construction.

If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? None, I truly love my work.

What's your favorite hangout? Sleepy Hole Golf Course.

Favorite night on the town: Friday night at Steinhilber's.

Favorite food/drink: Steak/coffee.

Favorite movies/TV show: ``White Christmas''/The Weather Channel.

Book you wish everyone would read: ``The Bible.''

Ideal vacation: Any 7-day cruise.

I can't resist: Working with flower beds and fishponds around the yard at home.

Few people know that I am: A shy person.

Most embarrassing moment: When I asked a lady when she was expecting and she was not pregnant.

What was the best advice you've been given and by whom: ``Be yourself, strive to do your best,'' by my father at an early age.

What's the best thing about yourself? My God-given talent.

If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would you be and why? I would not want to change places with anyone.

What achievements are you most proud of? Establishing Rountree Construction Company, Inc.

Something you wish to say but haven't: I speak what I wish to say - that it is always in my best interest. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER

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