Ronnie Payne James, 85, of Blue Ball, Arkansas passed away on August 11, 2021 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born March 18, 1936 in Helleman, Arkansas to the late Vance and Ester Kinder James.
Ronnie grew up in Southern California after high school he spent 4 years in the Air Force. He worked in different jobs until he found his passion which was driving a truck. Behind the wheel, he loved the independence and being his own boss that he enjoyed for 40 years. After the death of his father, he moved to backed to Arkansas to take over the local store in Hale town, Arkansas. Ronnie loved the opportunity to get back to Arkansas and live in the Ouachita’s where he found his passion for fishing.
Ronnie was quite a talker who loved visiting family and friends especially with his truck driving buddies telling stories.
Ronnie Leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife Shirley, daughter Rhonda James (Jim Evans), son Jay James (Sally James), grandchildren: Kirk Dedmon, Grant James, and Logan James. Great-granddaughter: Kindra Dedmon. Brothers and sisters: Warren James, Sue Harshaw Olaimey, and Becky Wilkins. Stepchildren: Delores Pollard, Tim Defoor, Rusty Defoor, Mark Defoor and Step Grandchildren and Step Great Grandchildren.
Ronnie is proceeded in death by his first wife of 49 years Gladys Yvonne James, his parents, his brothers Mark and Bobby, and his grandson Kory Dedmon.
Ronnie’s graveside life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 14, 2021 at the Earl Ladd Cemetery in Danville, Arkansas with Elder Dennis Horn and Rev. Jackie Allen officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Ronnie’s pallbearers will be Kirk Dedmon, Grant James, Logan James, Blake Defoor, Lewis James and Eric Wilkins. Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Jones, Dennis Cole, Gary Medlock, Ray Foster, Jim Kitchens, Bill Battles, Bob Elison, Charlie Davis, Paul Gillium and Larry Taff.
Ronnie’s visitation will be Friday, August 13, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
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