Ronald L Temple

Ronald L. Temple passed away unexpectedly on April 28, 2016 in Victorville, Calif. at the age of 57. He was born December 25, 1958 in Laredo, Texas; the son of Elmore Temple Jr. and the late Linda Maxine Lee Rye Temple of Jacksonville. Ron was an identical twin to Don Temple of Bryant who also unexpectedly passed away 1 1/2 years earlier. No brothers have ever been closer than Ron and Don. Ron is survived by his father, His sister Nancy, husband Jim Hurley, and their five children – Trey, Whitney and her husband Sean Peeples, Madison, Maitland, and Sierra Grace all of Jacksonville. Also surviving Ron are his sister, Martha and husband Greg Finney, and their children, Bryant, Alex and his wife Kaitlyn, and Hannah, all of Huntsville, Alabama. Ron is also survived by Don's Family – Dana Temple, and children, Stacey, Ellianne and her husband John Barbour, Don Allen, and Sam. Macie Leigh Hurley, Hurley and Merritt-Rye Peeples are great-nephew and great nieces. Ron also leaves many uncles, aunts, cousins and dear friends. Ron did not have any biological children of his own, but he was a father to many. He raised three boys- Richard, Wally, and Joey by himself and loved them as his own. He was their father in every sense of the word and laid down his life for them to ensure they would be men of integrity, who were taught about the Lord. Ron was raised in a military family and enjoyed growing up in Illinois, Michigan and Alaska. He loved nature-mountains, forests, deserts, oceans, lakes; anywhere he could sense the power and majesty of God. It brought him great peace. He loved animals (especially Red birds and Huskies), camping, fishing, hiking, and trains. As a boy he and Don both played baseball, one was the pitcher and the other the catcher. They also were heavily involved in Boy Scouts for many, many years. Ron wrote beautiful poetry that was both transparent and tender. He wrote about God's love, life, nature, and yes, some sorrows. Finding these poems is a price treasure! After graduating from Jacksonville High School, Ron joined the Army and served in Germany and California. He was so very proud to be serving his country and did his best to bring honor to his division. During his service Ron received many, many awards, medals, and recognitions. There are too many to list them all but include – The Army Service Ribbon, The Rifle m-16 Expert Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, The Expert Mechanic Badge, The National Defense Service Medal, The Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Oak Leaf Cluster), The Army Achievement Medal – 2nd Award, The Overseas Service Medal, The High Performance Award for Excellence, and The Mechanic of the Rotation – many times. Ron had over 22 years of hands on experience in all facets of mechanical maintenance, with 13 years in a supervisory capacity. He had a comprehensive background in the maintenance field of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fuel, and pneumatic system and components. He was trained and licensed to operate over 14 different vehicles, cranes, and carriers. After serving in the military, Ron went on to work at Raytheon where he continued to work with excellence. He left Raytheon after a back injury. Ron attended High Desert Church in Victorville, California and the Second Baptist Church in Jacksonville when he was Home. As nice as all of these accolades are, they were but a stepping stone to God's greater purpose for Ron's life. God called Ron to go to the poor and Show them the love of Christ – despite their circumstances or his. He spent the last 8 years of his life in pain, poor, and living with the poor, yet he loved. The tenants of his apartment said every morning he would come outside and tell them "Today is going to be a beautiful day!" He worked maintaining apartments in exchange for a small room. He collected cans to sell for money. If other tenants had need, Ron took care of them. As told to the family by the management, Ron would literally remove fixtures, electrical outlets etc. from his apartment to use in another apartment if it was needed. He willingly gave furniture, clothes and food. He poured himself out like a drink offering to these people he loved so dearly. This is Ron's legacy; A legacy of serving the Lord with love obedience, and faith. He led by example. He was gentle, soft spoken, and always thankful. When Jim and I arrived in California, we found the steps leading up to Ron's apartment covered with Rose bush plants. Ron loved roses and sought to both improve and beautify his apartment complex by planting Rose bushes throughout. The tenants of his apartment complex had taken butcher paper and covered his apartment with it. There they wrote words of love and sorrow. The central theme however, were "We will see you in Heaven Ron", "Until Paradise Ron". "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16. "Save a seat for me next to our Lord Ron". Ron's life was a life of victory for Christ "Well done, good and faithful servant" Matthew 25:21. Special thanks to Elayne and Jim Lowery for their love and support. Special thanks to Russell Rice for your friendship to Ron. Special thanks to Dr. Kelly Ahmad and her staff for years of caring for our beloved brother. Also, very special thanks to Diane Vargas Hurtado family for loving Ron so well. May God bless you all greatly. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery on Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock. Memorial may be made to Second Baptist Church 1117 North James Street, Jacksonville, Ark. 72076 for Missions Outreach. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.