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.
Sign Guestbook
37 Condolence(s)
Jimmy richardson
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Sorry to hear of Ronnie's passing. Prayers and condolences for the family.
Jason Dycus
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Ronnie Paul, so much I can say about this guy…don’t even know where to start. I couldn’t imagine what this world would be like if we all strived to be more like RP…the days when the world would be coming down on me and some how he would manage to pick me up the way that only he could. The days when I might not have a dime to eat on and he fed me. Over the years I’ve seen him help so many people and bring a smile to so many faces. What a mentor And what a friend. I truly think god puts people in your life for a reason and I’m so glad Ronnie was placed in mine. Rest my friend until the day we are all judged for are heart and are works and I can only pray that mine can be half as yours. To Karen, christy, James, Trevor and hunter…he talked about you all, he loved you all deeply and was so proud of the boys. I’m so sorry and I’ll be praying for you all, god bless
Randy Looney
Friday, November 10, 2023
l’m grateful that I was blessed to have Ronnie as part of my extended family. Over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate more & more the authentic “non-showboat“ Christlikeness that Ronnie lived out as his pattern of life. Having been through a lot of hard “life stuff“, including surviving and the effects of two tornadoes just recently this year, I’ve had reason to consider and study Phil. 1:21 & 2 Cor. 5:8 more deeply, which I now understand better and find helpful when losing friends or family.
Again, thankful for knowing Ronnie, and glad he is now enjoying the truth of Rev. 21:4. I love Karen & Christi & praying for joy & comfort for the whole family.
Junior Upchurch
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
My most sincere condolences to Ronnie’s friends & family. I work at Joe’s Acoustical from the time I was 12-30years old. Ronnie was the best boss I ever had. Almost my whole family worked at Joe’s at some point. I life was better knowing Ronnie. The Mathew’s family is in my prayers.
Shirley Pollard
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Karen I was saddened to hear of Ronnie’s passing. I knew him a very long time ago when he was at Joe’s Acoustical and I worked at Ott Insurance. They were insured with us and I took care of the account. I loved his happy attitude each time he walked through the door. He was a good man and will be missed by so many. May God bless and comfort you in the days ahead.
Chaney Floyd
Monday, November 6, 2023
Karen, so sorry about Ronnie. He was a great Christian man and great example for the Good Lord. He will be missed by all of his friends. Ronnie loved the Wampus Cats and the UCA BEARS FOOTBALL. Susie and I will be Praying for you and your family.
Lynn Ridgely Finkel
Sunday, November 5, 2023
My heart breaks for Karen and Leanne, Christi, James and the boys. Ron was a one in a million all around great guy. I'm so grateful for my beloved first cousin Karen for being so blessed as to have had a man like Ron in life's journey. They shared so much love for one another, their family and community during his lifetime. They were the dream team and will meet again in Heaven. May God bless you all and lovingly guide you during this difficult time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers forever.
Bob and Nomie Fraser
Sunday, November 5, 2023
Dear Karen, you and the family will be in our prayers. Ronnie and I often turned hunting, fishing, camping, and working into adventures. He could tell a story or joke better than anyone I know. When we worked at Subiaco Academy in the summer of 1969, as carpenters, he astounded many of the monks and acolytes after work with his knowledge of the Scriptures. He answered their many questions carefully and they were amazed. We also climbed the water tower at Subiaco together which certainly scared us. Ronnie was one of kind and many people have been blessed by him all these years. May our Lord and Savior give you great comfort and peace.
With love,
Bob and Nomie
Eddie Bradke
Sunday, November 5, 2023
Karen,
I’m sorry to hear of Ronnie’s passing. My heart goes out to you, Christi and family. He was a good man. Reflecting back on the times we spent together warms my heart even amidst the sadness of his passing. As cousins, regardless of time which passed between each visit, we always knew we were around for each other when needed. If I can ever do anything to help you, please let me know. Prayers, love and hugs.
Gail Braley
Sunday, November 5, 2023
RIP Ronnie. The rest of the Class of '67 will see you soon.
Larry, Jennifer and Erin McMillan
Sunday, November 5, 2023
Karen - Ronnie was one of a kind - a great man, aways with a smile, kind words and a story. Sending up prayers for you and your precious family along with lots of love and big hugs. Please let me know if we can help you in any way.
Sally Allinder
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Karen, I’m saddened to hear of Ronnie’s passing and send my deepest sympathy, love, and prayers to you and all of your family.
Becca Carter Keith
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Karen, my prayer for and your family is to find peace in Christ as you turn to Him for strength, and to also find comfort as you revisit the beautiful memories of the great times you spent together. He was such a good guy and will be missed by so many.
Richard L Rodgers
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Karen, as I extend my sincere condolences, I have fond memories of you and Ronnie from my years as minister at the Robinson & Center Church.
Greek Miller
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Oh Ronnie, the stories you told are still talked about throughout the town. You will be missed my friend. I've never had a better golf partner than you, when we quit laughing. RIP my friend. Our prayers for Karen and the family.
Ramona Halcrombe
Saturday, November 4, 2023
It saddens me to hear of Mr. Ronnie's passing. He was a one of a kind man. He loved people and knew how to make you laugh. I use to work at Joe's when he was the owner of the Company. At that time my name was Ramona Beene.
I was the First African American Female employee of the Company. Mr. Ronnie gave me an opportunity that I never would have thought I would ever get. He was a wonderful boss to work for.
He will be missed.
Matthews' Family keep your heads lifted high. Continue to trust God.
Harold Comstock
Friday, November 3, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Ronnie’s passing, he was a great friend and one of the truly good guys.
Darrell Farley
Friday, November 3, 2023
Sorry to hear about Ronnie. Prayers for the Matthews family.
Patsy Mauldin Smith
Friday, November 3, 2023
So sorry to hear about Ronnie Paul it was a shock to hear about his death. Praying for u. Love you Karen & Terri. Patsy Mauldin Smith
Ronnie Jones
Friday, November 3, 2023
He never met a stranger he could have ran for mayor he will be missed
Eddie and Nancy Lane
Friday, November 3, 2023
We are so sorry about the loss of Ronnie. I always felt he was more like a brother to me than a cousin. I have so many great memories of our time together, and will always cherish them.
Prayers for comfort to all of the family.
Benny & Patty Battles
Friday, November 3, 2023
Sorry to learn of Ron's passing. If you knew him, he was one of your best friends, and will be sorely missed. Our prayers to his family in the days ahead.
lanny noggle
Friday, November 3, 2023
lanny doc noggle
Bob Barham
Friday, November 3, 2023
Karen, Christi, & Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ronnie will be sorely missed. Such a great guy with a great sense of humor. Last time I talked with him was on a project for the bank when I worked there. Always enjoyed catching up on things with him. God Bless the family.
Matt & Kelli Rice
Friday, November 3, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen and Christi.
Michele wilcox
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Christi and Karen I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I always thought of Ronnie as the most kind man and father. He always had a smile on his face. I will never the time when we where in about the first grade and he had a new video game in his pocket but Christi and I thought it was some animal and could not bring ourselves to reach in a grab it. He got the biggest laugh out of us being so scared. Again I am so sorry.
Jimmy &Sharon Hooten
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Ronnie was a dear friend and will be missed. I have enjoyed hours of his stories. Our prayers go out to Karen and family. RIP my brother.
Matt & Kelli Rice
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen and Christi.
Carolyn Matthews Farmer
Thursday, November 2, 2023
You will be missed. Fly with the angels, sweet cousin??????
Jeanie Rice
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Karen and Christi, you know how much Ronnie meant to my family. He was best friend to Paul for many years and a second father to my boys. Ron could always make us laugh and I remember many of his stories fondly. Our camping trips will always be treasured memories as well as all the time spent together. Ronnie will be missed by all who knew him. Love you both
Robert and Mary Jo Cline
Thursday, November 2, 2023
We really enjoyed Ronnie. He was a wonderful person. He had a talent of making people feel good when you were around him. He will be missed. God bless his family.
Love,
Rob and Mary Jo
Brian and Mary Smith
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Ronnie was a great friend to many and true joy to be around. He was always willing to help others and never turned down an opportunity to give. Karen/Christie, I know you find comfort in knowing he is now pain-free and resting in God's hands.
Janice Berg
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Sending LOVE and PRAYERS ???
LOVE JAN
Ruth Anne Fulmer
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Karen, so sorry for your loss! Praying for your family in this time of grief!!
Scott Heffington
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Leanne, Karen & Family,
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss!! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of loss and adjustment!
Scott Heffington
Renee Gammon
Thursday, November 2, 2023
I am sorry for “Ronnie’s” passing. He will be missed by many . Ronnie and his family are in our prayers.
Sincerely
Renee Gammon
Dana Villines
Thursday, November 2, 2023
My deepest sympathies to all his family & friends. May God bless & comfort you