Ronald Witt Waddell

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Ronald Witt Waddell, 88, of Jonesboro passed away Friday, December 17, 2021 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House surrounded by family. Ron was born January 22, 1933 in Jonesboro to the late Ralph and Juanita Waddell. A graduate of Arkansas State University, Ron was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and volunteered at the Care Center.  He was a member of Mike Mullally’s Sunday School class. Following a long career as National Sales Manager and General Manager of several nationwide industries, Ron retired and devoted nine years to substitute teaching at several high schools in the area.

Ron served three years in the Navy during the Korean War where he received the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal W/2 Stars, and the United Nations Medal.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his twin brother, Donald Waddell, brother, Bobby Waddell and grandson, Jarred Deckelman.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Lee Waddell of the home; son, Scott (Kristie) Waddell of Jonesboro; 3 daughters, Julie (Tom) Cellucci of Chantilly, Virginia, Betsy (Brad) Smith of Jonesboro, Mary (John) Eidson of Jonesboro; 16 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Peggy Waddell, 4 nephews, one niece and their spouses: Donna and Mike Downing, Ralph and Audri Waddell, Paul and Suzanne Waddell, Greg Garner, Stuart and Janet Waddell, and many great nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Dr. Rodney Reeves officiating and Bro. Emil Williams as an honorary officiant. Family will have a private burial at a later date.

The memorial service will be live streamed. To view, go to emersonfuneralhome.com and a link will be available on Ron’s obituary.

Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that consideration be given to First Baptist Church Care Center, 701 S. Main St., Jonesboro, AR 72401 or the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E. Matthews Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401.