of Conway, AR
August 1, 1943 - January 30, 2023
Ronnie Glynn McGaha passed away on January 30, 2023. Ronnie was born on August 1, 1943. He was 79 years old. He was born in and remained a lifelong resident of Holland, Arkansas.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Janie Faye (Loyd) McGaha and his children, Corey (Kelly) McGaha and Kelli (Shawn) Martin. Ronnie ''Pop'' is cherished and remembered by his grandchildren, Max and Silas McGaha and Carlee Martin. He is also survived by sister, Eva Lee (McGaha) Parsons and several nieces, nephews, family members and friends.
Ronnie was predeceased by his parents, Darnell and Cora (Chaney) McGaha; his twin brother, Jerry McGaha and his sister, Becky (McGaha) Leslie.
To say Ronnie McGaha impacted lives is an understatement. First, he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He wanted others to know his Savior, too. He was ordained as a deacon of Holland Baptist Church in 1972. Through the decades he served in a multitude of roles, including Chairman of the Deacons and Planning Committee Chairman for the current church as it stands today. His work for the Lord was also seen in contributions on the Cold Springs Retreat Board. More importantly was his willingness to share his salvation with others. His daughter-in-law recently said, every prayer she's ever heard him pray was carried out through tears, showing his genuine love for the Lord and his son-in-law remembers Ronnie's logic that life lessons and answers ''just go back to the plain ole' Bible.''
His love for Holland led to his being elected Mayor in 2010, a role in which he served for the next 8 years. He sought out grant funds to expand the walking trail, improve lighting and to add a baseball/softball field to Holland City Park. The town recently named the ballfield, The Ronnie McGaha Field.
Ronnie loved his friends, many of which consider him as a father, grandfather or brother. Childhood friends might mention the mischievousness and comical stories of he and his twin brother. He loved and adored his siblings. He operated Ronnie McGaha Construction, Inc. for decades, building hundreds of homes across the state and establishing lifelong friendships. He was also a past Worshipful Master of the Free Mason Faulkner Lodge 738.
Finally, there is Ronnie's love for his family. Ronnie and his wife, Janie were married for a blessed 56 years. They first lived in ''downtown Holland'' until moving to their Holland farm in 1983, where he raised cattle for the rest of his life. Their strong work ethic and commitment to God and each other went unmatched. Corey and Kelli were able to share with Ronnie that they could not have asked for a better childhood. They know now that they were more blessed than most others with the parents God gave them. He coached their baseball and softball teams, including traveling the state and the country with those teams summer after summer. One lesson that he taught his kids was that, no matter how tough life gets and no matter how low you think your situation is, or if you thought you were alone, Jesus is there. A second lesson he taught his kids was to always give ''110 percent'' in all that they did.
Pop's grandkids have countless memories to treasure and were blessed by his example. They all found joy in his ''climbing tree'' by the back pond and their annual Christmas dividing of Pop's change collected over the past year. Max and Silas found their home away from home with him on the farm, where they rode the mule, put peanuts in their coke, caught big fish and found the best hunting spots. Of course they made memories around the dinner table, including Pop eating cornbread and milk and everyone enjoying Nana's fried deer steak, biscuits and gravy upon special request. Max learned the hard way to never change the channel if the Hogs were playing, even if Pop was napping. Silas learned to treasure a quality gun, like Pop's 22 revolver. Carlee Ann survived working cows with Pop and loading calves for the sale barn, sometimes in exchange for a $20 bill. She had no choice but to learn a lot in the process, mostly wisdom that you can't find in a book somewhere. Pop also taught Carlee to share her Cheetos and most of the time she tried. Carlee and Pop were both old souls and sure loved a good classic country sing along, especially Johnny Cash.
Ronnie loved fried catfish, bluegrass music, the Arkansas Razorbacks (even when they are hard to love), story-telling, Muscadine Ridge, SEC basketball, his farm and his cattle (when they behaved). He was always for the ''underdog'' and he has lent a helping hand to more people than we will ever know. As a family friend recently said, ''we need more Ronnie McGahas in this world.''
Visitation will be from 6pm to 8pm Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Holland Baptist Church. Funeral service will be held at 10am Friday, February 3rd at the church. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery.
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40 Condolence(s)
Beth Grisham
Friday, October 20, 2023
Janie, I just seen this about Ronnie. Me and Mark always loved you and Ronnie. He was a wonderful person and now in the loving arms of the Father. Prayers for you and the family.
Connie McMillen
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Kelly, my heart bleeds for you and your family at this time. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God will give you comfort and peace.
James & Donna Berry
Friday, February 3, 2023
Our deepest sympathy to Ronnie's family... One of many memories we have of Ronnie is when he was coaching & building houses. He's left a wonderful legacy for his children, grands, and the community of Holland. May God wrap His arms around all of you and give you peace...
Rosa Lee Collins
Friday, February 3, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss.
Shane and Misty Harness
Friday, February 3, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Ronnie was always so sweet and smiling when we visited, I am sure he is with our Lord and Savior now. Prayers for comfort and peace during these times. With Love, Shane and Misty Harness
Larry and Bonnie Nelson
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Prayers for the family.
Trish
Thursday, February 2, 2023
I will cherish all our softball memories. You will be greatly missed by so many. You made the world a better place. Prayers for you Corey and Kelli.
David Lee Jackson
Thursday, February 2, 2023
My condolences to the family. Ronnie was one of the true good ones. I will miss him. I feel our separation won't be for long. May God bless You and give you comfort.
Danny and Jean McBay
Thursday, February 2, 2023
So sorry to hear of Ronnie passing! Spent many a time at ballgames thru the years! He is home in Heaven rejoicing of no more pain! God ‘s blessings upon his wife, Janie and daughter, Kelli son, Corey and grandchildren and rest of family and his many friends that will miss him!
Lotis Grisham
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Paul and Betty Parker
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Dear friends, So sorry to hear of Ronnie's home going. May the comfort of the Spirit your hearts and give you the peace that passes all understanding.
Tom wilkins
Thursday, February 2, 2023
So very sorry to hear of Ronnie's passing. May God hold you all in the palm of his hands during this difficult period in your lives
Sally Hockman
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Corey and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. You and your family have my deepest condolences. I will be praying for you all.
Sally Hockman
Beth West Stewart
Thursday, February 2, 2023
My condolences to Corey and Kelli and the McGaha family.
Jamie Reyes Yount
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Wayne and Robin Longing
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Deepest sympathy to the family.
Myrtle and Greg Miller
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of his passing. We will miss our Mayor, we always called him The Mayor, because that's how we knew him, he was also such a caring person, he made us laugh. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. Prayers for the family.
Barbara Jones
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Keep the family in our thoughts and prayers
We enjoyed talking to Ronnie , He would be out in his cart checking his pastures next to us. We really enjoy watching his cattle. .
Ronnie you will be missed my lots of people.
Steve and Barbara Jones
Nancy Calvin
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
I very sad to hear Ronnie has passed. I’m sure he is talking and enjoying our Lord Christ right now. But, he is a loss for our Holland Community. I’ll never forget what an honorable man he was…what a pleasure it was to call him a friend. My thoughts and prayers for his family.
Charissa Tillery-Harris
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Our family sends our deepest condolences. We will always remember Mr Ronnie as a very genuine man.
Jerry & Janis Robbins
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Prayers for all of you his families & his many friends. He quietly left a great legacy for everyone. He left his heart and hand prints in several places, especially in his families’ hearts.
Wanda Newland
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
So sorry for your loss. He was a great man. Wanda covington newland
Melinda Reynolds
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Janie, Kelli and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Ronnie was a good man. I enjoyed being able to work with him when he was Mayor of Holland (I got to swear him in as Mayor) and I was Clerk. Never did I need something that he was not willing to help. Prayers for your family.
Karen Black
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
We definitely need more “Ronnie McGahas†in this world. So thankful that my nephews had such a great “Pop.†Praying for all of the McGaha family.
Fredia Wiley
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Keeping everyone in Our Thoughts & Prayers. Our deepest condolences. The Wiley Family
Tina Rigby
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. You will have so many fond memories to comfort you during this difficult time.
Bruce & Shannon Deckard
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Kelli ~ May fond memories of your Father bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
James Stephens
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Thanks again Ronnie for helping us with repair work on Bobie’s house. You are a great man and a fine Christian gentleman. You will be missed. Jim and Sandy Stephens
William Parsons
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Deepest condolences to the McGaha family for the loss of Mr. Ronnie.
Rebecca Smith
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
My deepest condolences for the entire family Ronnie was an amazing man that loved his family and friends. He and Janie welcomed us when we were at Holland Baptist. It was an honor to have known him He is at home with his Lord and SaviorðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Gail Wood
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Ronnie’s was a life well-lived. He’s certainly heard the words “Well done my good and faithful servantâ€.
Ashley Kirkpatrick
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Great man! Enjoyed getting to know him while on the Holland City Council. Praying for the family.
Sandy and Davey Ragland
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
We're so sorry for your loss. Everyone will always miss him. He and Jerry are laughing in heaven, because they always had a big time. Prayers for the family.
Mike gibbs
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Ronnie was a great man . Prayers for his family.
Paulette Bryant
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
The family is in my prayers and thoughts ♥ï¸
Wanda McCorkle
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Dickey
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Janie & Family
So sorry to hear of Ronnie’s passing. I knew him for years & he built my house. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I understand your pain. I lost George last August.
Mary White
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Janie and family, so sorry for your loss. I remember Ronnie from high school days and always being in church and sitting with you. Truly a good man. Praying for “ Peace That Passeth All Understanding “ Philippians 4:7
Doyle Kirkpatrick
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Always nice, friendly and very helpful. Prayers for your family
Lynnette Durham
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Such a Great Man! So sorry for your loss. Your family are in our prayers.