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Submitted: 11/12/23 • Approved: 11/12/23 • Last Updated: 3/25/24 • R1509162-G0-S3
Sept 6, 1949 - Oct 27, 2023
*Obituary
Ronnie Matthews, 74, of Conway, Arkansas, passed away on Oct. 27, 2023, He was born on Sept. 6, 1949, in Conway, Arkansas, to the late Paul D. Matthews and Emma Lou Matthews Thomas. Ronnie was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
Ronnie was a very sociable person, known for his great sense of humor and storytelling abilities. He had a tender heart and was always willing to help both friends and strangers. Ronnie valued honesty and loyalty, considering his word to be his bond, He had a genuine love for people and was always a joy to be around.
In his educational journey, Ronnie attended Ellen Smith Elementary and Conway Junior High School, both in Conway, Arkansas. He graduated from Conway High School in 1967, being a proud member of the 1964 State Champion Football Team, and went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology from the State College of Arkansas (University of Central Arkansas), graduating in 1972.
Ronnie worked summers for Nabholz Construction Company before becoming an employee of Conway Human Development Center. He later became the owner of Joe's Acoustical Company and spent the last 20 years as a job superintendent for Salter Construction, all in Conway, Arkansas.
Ronnie was a former Deacon at Robinson & Center Street Church of Christ, where he taught classes and worked on the missions committee.
In his free time, Ronnie enjoyed his hobbies as an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing, especially when he could share these activities with his grandsons and buddies at the Dogwood Rock and Roark Hunt clubs. He was an active member of the National Wild Turkey Federation serving on the Arkansas State Board for several years. Golfing was another pastime that Ronnie found great pleasure in.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., both at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas.
Ronnie is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 53 years, Karen Ridgely Matthews. He is also survived by his daughter, Christi Matthews Hilliker (James), and his grandsons, Hunter Hilliker and Trevor Hilliker, all residing in Kansas. Additionally, Ronnie is survived by his sister, Terri Matthews Luna (Mike), of Springfield, Missouri; his step- sister Rita Thomas (Terry), of Nixa, Missouri; his step- sister-in-law, Barbara Thomas, of Kearney, Missouri; and his sister-in-law, Leanne Bland, of Conway, Arkansas. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Paul D. Matthews; his mother, Emma Lou Matthews Thomas; stepfather Raymond Thomas; and his step-brothers, Herald
Thomas and Mike Thomas; as well as his step-sister, Janice Crouch.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Navajo Mission Fund at Robinson and Center Street Church of Christ located at 1505 Robinson Ave., Conway, Arkansas 72034. Donations can also be made to any chapter of the March of Dimes.
The Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangernents.
Ronnie Matthews will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of kindness, humor and loyalty will forever be cherished.
Published by Log Cabin Democrat on Nov. 9, 2023.
Contributed on 11/12/23 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 1509162