of Little Rock, AR
November 6, 1948 - January 31, 2010
Ron W. Strother, 61, of Little Rock died Sunday, January 31, 2010. He was born November 6, 1948 at Hot Springs, Arkansas, a son of Lester C. and Floy Mae McGuire Strother. Ron was an all-star baseball player at his high school in Anaheim, California and played college baseball at Fullerton Junior College. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Henderson State University, Master's Degree from the University of Central Arkansas, Masters in Banking from Louisiana State University and his Executive Master's Degree from Stanford University. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Ron had served as President, Chief Operating Officer, and as a director of Home Bancshares, Inc. since 2004. He also served as Chairman of the Asset Quality Committee and Asset/Liability Committee of Home BancShares. He had more than 35 years of banking experience, which included serving as Regional Chief Executive Officer over Central Arkansas for Arvest Bank Group (Bentonville) from 2000 to 2004, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Central Bank and Trust Company (Little Rock) from 1996 to 2000, President and Chief Operating Officer of First Commercial Bank (Little Rock) from 1991 to 1994, President of First Commercial Mortgage Company from 1984 to 1987, and President of Commercial National Mortgage Company from 1981 to 1984.
He was a very active long-time member of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce. Special involvements with the Chamber included serving on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, serving as Treasurer in 2008 and 2009, and as Chairman of Membership Development in 2003 and 2004. As Membership Chairman, he chaired the Chamber's Total Resource Campaign and was recognized as Individual Champion in 2003. He served as Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in 2005.
An active member of Fifty for the Future, Ron served in many capacities, including Treasurer, Chairman of Long Range Planning, and as President in 2006. He was active in the YMCA for 25-30 years and was Chairman of the Board of YMCA of Metropolitan Little Rock from 1999 2000. He also received the Johnny Heflin Humanitarian Award in 2000, which is given for outstanding leadership. Ron was also a former board member of St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John Strother and Mickey Strother.
He is survived by his wife, Paula Acton Strother; two sons, Michael (Kelly) Strother of North Little Rock and Lee (Lauren) Strother of Little Rock; two daughters, Kaitlin Lensing and Alexa Strother, both of Little Rock; a grandson, Noah Strother; a brother, Lee (Joyce) Strother of Victorville, California; and a host of other family and friends.
The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 4, 2010 at Fellowship Bible Church in North Little Rock with Dr. Craig Loibner officiating. Graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m., Thursday at Liberty Springs Cemetery in Scotland, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be: Lee Strother, Michael Strother, Tracy French, Mike Hagen, David Strassele, Pat Patterson, Bill Roehrenbeck and Gary Head.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home (501)224-8300.
Memorials may be made to the Kaitlin Lensing-Alexa Strother Education Trust Fund, Centennial Bank, Pavilion in the Park, Suite 140, 8201 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72227.
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64 Condolence(s)
Debbie Files
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Dear Family:
I am so sorry to hear about Ron. I first met him when we worked at Commercial National Bank on 200 Main Street. He was a great person and a good friend over the years. He had a great sense of humor. He was so smart. He will be missed by everyone in the community.
Jo Ann Thomas
Monday, February 8, 2010
To the Family of Ron W. Strother:
Thinking of you and praying that God will keep his loving arms around you and bring you peace at this difficult time. Ron will be missed.
God bless and keep you always.
Jo Ann Thomas
Joanne Wheeler
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Dear Paula & Children,
My heart is saddened to hear of your lose. Ron was always very kind to me as was he to many others. Paula, I would also like to say to were a joy to work with at the Title Company and was you were very nice to me while I was there before I had to take my leave. I wish I could take some of the pain away from you and your family that you are feeling right now for I have felt this same lose two different times myself. The most importment thing to remember is to first let the Lord carry you thru this time of trouble, for only He has the strength to carry you now. The next thing is keep your family close and let them love you, don't shut them out, for you need them more now than ever. You are a strong person and God will help you thru this He die me twice. Just remember we are all in God's hands and loves us very much, and I love you too. Call me if I can help in any way at all, please. Joanne
Terry & Sherry (Bray) Thomason
Friday, February 5, 2010
I know your family may not know me, but I knew Ron because he was Johnny's brother. He and Lee came to our fruit stand the day of Johnny's funeral. I had also helped him with music for Lester and Floy Mae's services. We were neighbors to Ron's family for years. I was very sad when I heard of his death. I called Rosa to make sure it was really the Ron I knew. May you take comfort in knowing we are praying for your family. May God bless you and keep you.
Gloria Stricklin
Friday, February 5, 2010
Lisa,
I am so sorry about the loss of your Uncle Ron. If you need to talk at any time, you just call. You are in my prayers as well as your family.
Bob & Tammy Peters
Friday, February 5, 2010
Mr Strother was a kind and good man. It was our honor to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you.
Ronnie Lott
Thursday, February 4, 2010
To the Family of Ron Strother,
I was very saddened to receive the call of Ron's departure. It was an extreme pleasure to work with both you (Paula) and with Ron on supplying the building materials for your home in Scottland. You were both very confident customers in choosing your home products. Ron will be surely missed. Our thoughts and prayers from the Lumber One Home Center Family in Mayflower are extended to you at this most difficult time. May God comfort you and keep you in his arms.
Ronnie Lott
Lumber One Home Center
Pat Isom
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Paula,
So sorry to hear about Ron. I am still in shock as are other people. If I can do anything to help you, just let me know. Sherry and Tammy offered to give me a ride to the visitation but I was at the hospital in Conway with Jennifer. Mike had a kidney taken out. He is doing ok.
Kathy George
Thursday, February 4, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with Ron's family. He was such a nice man. Always ready with a smile and a greeting. He will be missed.
Sharon McInturff
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Paula and family, our prayers of comfort and peace through this most difficult time are for all of you. Ron was always so very kind to our family.
Terry Burruss
Thursday, February 4, 2010
To the family of Ron -
So sorry to hear of your recent loss. I had the privilege of working with Ron in the mid seventies doing branch banks with Commercial National Bank. We continued to run into each other and share stories. He was a good, kind man. I know he will be sorely missed, not only by his family, but also by his community.
My deepest sympathies -
Terry G. Burruss, Architect
Terry Burruss
Thursday, February 4, 2010
To the family of Ron -
So sorry to hear of your recent loss. I had the privilege of working with Ron in the mid seventies doing branch banks with Commercial National Bank. We continued to run into each other and share stories. He was a good, kind man. I know he will be sorely missed, not only by his family, but also by his community.
My deepest sympathies -
Terry G. Burruss, Architect
Jean Alexander
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Lee and family -
I am so very sorry for your loss. Remember to cherish the memories of the good times. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Jean Alexander
Tammy Stone (Dailey)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Mike and Lee,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I just found out the news today. We don't understand why, when things like this happen, but do know God loves you and he loves Uncle Ron. My parents, Wayne and Diane Dailey (Little Rock, AR)send their thoughts and prayers as well. Send my regards to the rest of the family and friends.
Sincerely your cousin
Tammy Stone (Dailey)
Sue Tegethoff-Todd
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Michael and Lee,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are and will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sue
Kelly Hamilton Pittman
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Dear Strother Family,
I absolutely have been sorrowed by the loss of Mr. Ron. You all have been on my mind, heart, and prayers. I can't imagine what you're feeling at this time but will continue to be with you in spirit! Love you guys so much!
Sincerely,
Kelly Hamilton
Bob Lilly
Thursday, February 4, 2010
I was sorry to hear that we lost such a fine person.
Kenny & Donna Starr
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Paula, Lexi, Kaitlin, and the Strother Family,
As our hearts are heavy my thoughts and prayers are with you, your families, and friends during this difficult time. We will always recall those precious memories and special moments that each of us have by Ron coming into our lives. He will never be forgotten, and will truly be missed by many who knew and loved him.
Charlie & Amanda Martin
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Mike, Lee, Paula & Family, We are sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ron was a very good man and will be truly missed.
JoEllyn Cooper
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Dear Paula,
I want you to know that I am praying for you and your family. Eli has been praying for sweet Lexi.
Marisa Jiwa
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Paula,
I just wanted you to know that I am so deeply saddened for You, Kaitlin, and Lexi during this time of loss. The Lord will watch over you and keep you! You are so LOVED and adored by your family because of the wonderful person you are. You have a strong, beautiful heart, and a glow that touches everyone who knows you. I pray that you find comfort during this painful time.
Love,
Marisa
Sandra Widener Davis
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Paula and family. -
Our prayers are with you, during this
difficult time. Ron was a great person. We will miss him more than words can say.
Sincerely,
Sandra and Brian Davis
Charlotte & Kenny Gaines
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Michael and Lee, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you during this sad time; He is always near the brokenhearted. Our love, Charlotte & Kenny
Cindy (Malik) Cunningham
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Paula,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I'm glad I had the chance to meet Ron at the class reunion this summer. My prayers are with you and all of his family and friends. May God give you all peace.
Marilyn Sutton Bolton
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
I had the privilege to work for Ron as a closer at First Commercial Mortgage. He was such a leader, had a wonderful smile, and was kind. I want his family to know I had enormous respect for him. May God bless and keep you in the days and weeks ahead. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Dorothy Putt
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss, words do not seem adequate enough at this time. I did not know Ron well but I do remember his smile. May you find comfort with loved ones around you at this time and in the days ahead and know that God is always with you all..
June H. Thomas
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
I worked with Ron at First Commercial for several years. I am very sorry for your loss.
Wilma Whorton
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Paula. So sorry to hear of the dead of Ron. May God Bless and uphold you during this time of loss. I have nothing but good memories of you and Ron during his time of ownership of Allmon Mack Title.
Joan A Brewer
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
He will be missed
Mark Long
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
I am very sorry for your loss.
Jerry Webster
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Ron and I met when we both moved to LR about the same time to start our business careers. We became friends and over the years we encouraged each other to work hard and good things would happen. Ron was a good guy. I will miss him.
Johnny Mitchum
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
While serving with Ron for several years on the Downtown Partnership Board, I grew to respect him as one of the most savvy businessmen I'd ever met. I'm glad God gave me the opportunity to tell him that when I saw him at the recent Chamber luncheon. He will be sorely missed.
Summer L Wright
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Lee,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. May God be with you and your family during this difficult time. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Rev. Rick Wilkins
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
To Paula and family:
You are surrounded in prayer by our congregation at Trinity United Methodist Church in Okolona, AR. Please accept our deepest sympathies. We pray that God will give you strength and comfort to face living without Ron by your side. God bless and keep you.
JODY
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
So sorry to hear about Ron. He was a friendly man, that always had a smile on his face. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his loved ones, and with all the friends that will miss him.
Clint & Jody Hogan
Jeani Day White
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
To Ron's Entire Family,
You are all constantly in our thoughts and prayers! Words can not express the deep sympathy we have for the entire family! May God bring you all comfort, strength and mostly love in this time heartbreak. Ron is greatly missed here and always will be.
Brad & Jeani White
ROGER PETTIT
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
RON WAS ALWAYS SUCH AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO ME. HE WAS MY FRIEND AND WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS MY DEEP SORROW. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE ENTIRE FAMILY AND I PRAY GOD'S STRENGTH FOR YOU NOW AND IN THE DAYS TO COME.
Janice Brown
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Walter Yeldell
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Going back to college days in the late 60's, I recall Ron as a focused, dedicated achiever, and his obit seems to confirm that. I'm glad that our lives crossed paths, and will remember Ron fondly. My condolences to wife and family...
Jan Smith
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
I knew Ron through his work with the YMCA, and found myself learning something from him with every encounter. He was so smart with such a kind heart and I am grateful for the times we worked together for the the good of our community. He was so proud of his family, always sharing news and funny stories. He was my friend and I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all as you mourn this untimely loss. It is my hope that you will find comfort in your family and friends, and that your many happy memories will help sustain you as you face this time of sorrow and grief.
Larry and Lynn Fortner
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Lee, Mike, and family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gene and Linda Manning
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Paula, we are truly sorry for your loss of Ron, and wish to express our sincere sympathies to you and your family. I worked with Ron for many years at First Commercial Corp. in Little Rock. May God bless you all with His special grace and peace.
david hargis
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
I first met Ron Strother in probably 1976, and I knew him well. He might not have wanted it known, but others commenting here have noted his quick wit and sense of humor -- and he also had a deep reservoir of compassion which cannot quickly be replaced.
Alva Strother
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
We are saddened by your loss and offer our condolences. We are going to miss Ron.
Little Rock Hair Productions
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Paula, we are praying for you and your family during your time of loss.
judge buddy villines
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Ron was a fine human being. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of loss.
Charlene Rowell
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
I had the privilege to meet Ron when he was first
employed at a Little Rock Bank. We believed at the time he would be an asset to all of us, which proved to be true. He will be greatly missed by those whom he served. May God Bless His family at the time of sorrow.
Martha Wynn Rodgers
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
What a great loss to the Arkansas Banking Community, Central Arkansas and especially Ron's family and friends. Ron will always be remembered with happy thoughts by those of us that were fortunate to know him as a colleague and friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sherry Watson
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
I am truely saddened by his passing, he will be missed. To his family - Words can not express how sorry I am for you for your loss.God said " I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you", (John 14:18 KJV). May God be with you always.
Russ Laster
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
To the Strother Family and Friends:
I knew Ron for 15 years and alternately worked with him and for him during those years. Our's was a relationship of mutual respect and consideration for among many reasons, I think, a shared ironic sense of humor.
He was a great advocate for me on many occasions which I greatly appreciate and where we disagreed it was always professional which I appreciate still more.
I am saddened by your loss and offer my condolences.
Elizabeth Boddington
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
It is with deepest sadness that I offer you my condolences. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Zac Muncy Family
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
We are saddened to hear of the death of Ron. May God give you peace and strength at this time.
Philip Lyon
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
I consider myself lucky and fortunate to have known and worked with Ron.His faith in me and his fellow man made him a PRINCE of a man in my book.May God bless his family and hold them in the palm of His hand during these hard times.
Bill & Judy Smith
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Paula,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. God Bless
Trish Birch
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Paula & family, words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for the loss of Ron. What a dear person he was to me especially during the times their were bank functions, renewal meetings on insurance. I will miss his smiling face and funny comments. My thoughts are wil you all during this difficult time.
Kay Briscoe McNeil
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Your family is in my prayers. I have fond memories of Ron from our First Commercial days.
Kyla Edwards
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
I am very sorry for your loss. Ron never passed by my desk without saying hello. I will always remember him for his kindess. Your family is in my prayers.
Doug Patchell
Monday, February 1, 2010
To Lee and Lauren, and to Mike, Kelly, and Noah, I send my thoughts and prayers to you all. I know your dad had to be so proud of each of you, and this is an unexpected time of deepest sorrow. I pray for your strength through this difficult time, I will see you soon.
Sincerely,
Doug Patchell
Kevin and Melissa Hester
Monday, February 1, 2010
Paula, I can't seem to find the right words....I'm sure you've already heard so many expressions of sympathy, comfort, and love. Just know that we will be there for you through whatever you may need in the days and months ahead....and though it may not seem like it, God is with you and will provide the peace and strength to help you through.
Jerri and Patrick McCrary
Monday, February 1, 2010
Our prayers and sympathy to the family. God Be With You during this difficult time.
Donna Townsell
Monday, February 1, 2010
Paula & Lexi,
We are truly sorry for your loss. Ron will be missed. You are in our prayers.
Tab & Donna Townsell
Kathy McGuire - Stapleton
Monday, February 1, 2010
I love you guys, you are my family, my people. I cherish you all and God is going to take care of us and help us to understand this burden that we must bear. We just have to open our hearts and listen.
Melody and Steve Stanley
Monday, February 1, 2010
Dear Paula and Family,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Kelly and Noah...We love you both!!
Melody and Steve Stanley
Misty Watters
Monday, February 1, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are will you both, Mike and Lee, your father was a wonderful man and will be missed dearly.