of Little Rock, AR

October 20, 1937 - March 4, 2026

Ronald Farrell, age 88, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully from natural causes on March 4, 2026.

Ronald was born in 1937 in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Vincent Farrell and Katherine (MacDonald) Farrell. He grew up to become a man defined by service, steadiness, and a deep, abiding love for his family.

Ronald proudly served in the United States Air Force for 27 years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. For much of his distinguished career, he served as a navigator on C-130 aircraft, a role that took him to remarkable corners of the world and called upon the precision and calm resolve that would come to define him in all things. His service to his country was not simply a chapter of his life - it was a foundation upon which everything else was built.

Following his military retirement, Ronald put his expertise and passion for aviation to work at Simuflite/Singer-Link, where he dedicated himself to training a new generation of pilots - passing on the discipline and skill he had spent decades refining. He then turned his energy toward a different kind of service, dedicating himself to the work of Catholic Charities of Dallas, giving his time and compassion to those most in need.

Closer to home, Ronald served with quiet faithfulness as a Eucharistic Minister at Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock, a role that reflected the depth of his faith and his belief that service to others was never truly finished. He was also a beloved fixture in the parish community, finding great joy in the church's wine club and Bible studies - gatherings that fed both his spirit and his love of good company.

That love of togetherness was a hallmark of who Ronald was. He had a true gift for bringing people together, and nothing made him happier than planning and hosting gatherings for family and friends - filling a room with warmth, laughter, and the simple pleasure of shared time.
In his later years, Ronald also found a quieter but equally purposeful calling in woodworking. He had a particular gift for turning raw material into something lasting, and nothing brought him more satisfaction than crafting a piece at the request of one of his grandchildren. Those handmade gifts - born of patience, skill, and love - will be treasured and passed down through the generations of his family long after his hands have stilled.

He was, above all else, a devoted grandfather. Ronald followed the sporting events, academic milestones, and everyday lives of his grandchildren with genuine pride and joy, never missing a chance to celebrate who they were becoming. To know Ronald was to know a man who showed up - quietly, consistently, and completely.

Ronald is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Patricia (Hardy) Farrell; his two children and their spouses, Craig and Gretchen Farrell of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Kimberly and John Raffaele of Tampa, Florida; his four grandchildren, Mia Raffaele, Joshua Farrell, Jack Farrell, and Chase Farrell; and his many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Vincent and Peg Farrell of Hillsborough, New Jersey.

He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his years of honorable service to his country, his compassion for those in need, and the quiet craftsmanship and faith he brought to everything he did. The world is steadier for having had him in it.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Christ the King Vision Fund.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com