Ronnie Gerald Bennett

of Dennard, AR

November 9, 1934 - January 6, 2026

Ronnie Gerald Bennett, 91, of Dennard Arkansas, passed away January 6, 2026. Ronnie was born November 9, 1934, and raised by his parents, Pat and Earl Cooper, on their farm in Winters, Tx.
He was always known for his strong will, being hardworking and living an adventurous life.

Ronnie was joined in marriage to Moonyeen Claire ''Corkie'' Hext June 8, 1956, in Odessa, Tx. They raised three children, Lavanda Shawnee Clay (Ronnie), James Doyle Hinson and Rhalonda Gayle Morton (Harry).

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Corkie, parents Pat and Earl Cooper, father, Leon Bennett, son James Doyle Hinson, daughter Shawnee Clay, 2 brothers Ray & Larry Cooper and Lanny Lacy, a close uncle.

He is survived by his daughter Gayle Morton and son-in-law Harry, sister Brenda Chambliss (Richard), 2 grandchildren Cody Clay (Kari) and Tye Clay (Linde) all of Lubbock, Texas, 4 great grandchildren Trevor, Caitlyn, Chloe & Zoe Clay all of Lubbock, brother-in-law Jimmy Jack Hext of Lubbock, sisters-in-law Jerry Powell of Odessa, Tx and Sherry Cooper of Ballinger, Tx. as well as many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

In his youth Ronnie worked the oil rigs of West Texas where he met his match and other half, Corkie. Eventually becoming a professional welder on the 798-union pipeline he and Corkie traveled the US with their young family. He always dreamed of having a cattle ranch and driving through Arkansas in 1965 he spotted land in Dennard, moving his family there in 1967. He continued to grow his ranch while pipelining, with Corkie and kids staying behind during school months. Ronnie lost Corkie to an illness in 1991 which prompted him to retire from 798 and run cattle full time.

As a young man his favorite pastime was eating popcorn and watching football. Especially the Razorbacks/Longhorns and of course the Cowboys. He loved to play poker especially with his buddies whom he had developed close bonds. At the poker table they lovingly referred to him as ''Cowboy''. And he loved raising cattle and everything that went with it. He often reminisced of the days when cowboys, cowgirls and friends gathered at the barn with food, drinks and laughter after a successful morning of rounding up cattle.

Ronnie was an avid dog lover. He could always be seen riding around the property checking cows with his dog Callie. (Lady, Missy, Bullet, Sister and Ace)

Known for his tough character, he was a private man and those who knew him well would say stoic. He was a man of faith and attending church with his young family had always been an important part of his life. He always told us, ''I never fall asleep without saying my prayers for you.''

We can't imagine life without him. He will be missed beyond words.

Due to health considerations and family travel a celebration to honor Ronnie's life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared as they are finalized.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be sent to: The Van Buren County Animal Control, The Van Buren County Humane Society or Meals on Wheels (Clinton).

To express condolences online visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com




Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
Highway 65 South
Clinton, AR  72031
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com