Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNews

Ronald Wayne Ricketts Passes Away in Arkadelphia

Cemetery landscape with flowers representing memory and legacy

News Summary

Arkadelphia resident Ronald Wayne Ricketts has passed away at the age of 65. A beloved member of the community, Ricketts was known for his contributions to the First Baptist Church and as co-owner of Ricketts Trucking Co. His legacy of love and service will be remembered by family and friends.

Arkadelphia, Arkansas – Ronald Wayne Ricketts Passes Away at Age 65

Ronald Wayne Ricketts, a 65-year-old resident of Arkadelphia, passed away on May 28, 2025, at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. His contributions to the community and his family will be cherished by those who knew him.

Born on September 1, 1959, in Wichita, Kansas, Ronald, affectionately known as Ronnie, was the son of Roy and Mary Lockridge Ricketts. He grew up in a close-knit family and completed his education at Gurdon High School, graduating in 1978. Following his education, Ronnie co-owned and operated Ricketts Trucking Co. alongside his wife, Tammy Williams Ricketts. The couple made their life in Arkadelphia, where they became integral members of their community.

Ronnie was an active participant in his community and was deeply involved with the First Baptist Church of Gurdon. He was known for his love of all sports and music, activities that brought him joy and allowed him to connect with friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Alicia Michelle Ricketts, a loss that profoundly affected his family. Surviving Ronnie are his parents, Roy and Mary Ricketts of Gurdon, his wife Tammy, and their two sons: Matthew Roy Ricketts, who resides in Gurdon with his wife Misty, and Jason Wayne Ricketts, who lives in Starkville, Mississippi with his spouse Sylvia. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Jerry Ricketts and his wife Jane of Curtis, and four grandchildren: Conner, Maddisyn, Alexis, and Ezra, who will remember him fondly.

The funeral services for Ronnie Ricketts took place on June 2, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Gurdon. The service was officiated by Bro. Randall Murphy and Bro. Chris Williams, who honored Ronnie’s life and legacy. Afterward, interment was held at South Fork Cemetery, where friends and family gathered to pay their respects.

Those who wish to honor Ronnie’s memory can make memorial contributions to the American Family Association or PreBorn, reflecting his values and commitment to his community. The pallbearers who carried Ronnie to his final resting place included his sons Matthew and Jason, grandson Conner Ricketts, as well as friends Kyle Norman, Pete Stringer, Philip McGuirt, Stephen Pennington, and Chase Shepherd.

Final arrangements for Ronald Wayne Ricketts were provided by The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and strong family bonds, and he will be missed by all who knew him.