of Conway, AR

September 6, 1949 - October 27, 2023

Ronnie Matthews, 74, of Conway, Arkansas passed away on October 27, 2023, He was born on September 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, November 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 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 Avenue, 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 arrangements.

Ronnie Matthews will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of kindness, humor and loyalty will forever be cherished.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com