Ronnie was born Ronald Dean Coleman on May 13, 1964 in Monroe, Louisiana. His height is 5 feet 11 inches, and he currently lives in Arlington, Texas. He graduated from Grambling State College in Louisiana, with a degree in accounting. He lives in Arlington, Texas and works as a police officer. He has been a police officer since 1989.

He was introduced into competition bodybuilding by Brian Dobson, the owner of Arlington's Metro Flex Gym. His first bodybuilding contest was in April 1990, at the Mr. Texas. He won first heavyweight and overall. His contest weight is around 229 pounds, while his offseason weight hovers around 250. He met his girlfriend Vickie Gates, an IFBB pro bodybuilder, in 1992 at a GNC store.