Obituaries

Ronald Paul Magness

Photo of Ronald Paul Magness Photo of Ronald Paul Magness
Ronald Paul Magness, 69, of Mt. Ida, was called home by his Heavenly Father on March 30, 2018. Ronnie Paul was born in Dermott, Ark., on May 12, 1948, to Ruby and Paul Magness. He was educated at Dermott High School, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Ronnie Paul was a proud US Marine and a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, where he was severely wounded, being awarded the Purple Heart and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry for valor. After his military service and a five-year stint as a Pine Bluff, Ark., police officer, he took a position with the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Department, serving a total of 30 years prior to retirement in 2005. His last assignment was as the Superintendent of the Lake Ouachita State Park near Hot Springs. Ronnie Paul was a good husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and a good and loyal friend to all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ruby, and sister Jeanette Stubblefield. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judy Hale Magness; daughter Rhonda Isom (David) of Hot Springs; grandsons Jakob Martin and Dalton Isom; five sisters, Juanita Robertson and Dolores Cornelius of Monticello, Evelyn Roark of Jennie, Ark., Helen Buch of Harden, Ark., and Carolyn Bowden of Yuma, Ariz.; two brothers, Tom Magness of Hot Springs and Winston Magness of Terry, Miss.; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and a host of wonderful friends. A memorial service is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the First Baptist Church of Royal, Ark., with Bro. George Lynch officiating. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Davis-Smith Funeral Home of Hot Springs, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund of The First Baptist Church of Royal, Ark. Guest registry at www.davissmith.com.

Published April 3, 2018

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