Dr. Ronald Earl Splann

Dr. Ronald E. Splann, 72, of Hot Springs, Arkansas went to meet his Heavenly Father on November 24, 2014. He was born on January 23, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Frank and Cleo Splann, Sr. Ronald went to grad school and Jr. High School at Memphis Training School where he played football, basketball, baseball, and track. He graduated from Memphis Central High School in 1960, where he also played football, basketball, baseball, and track. Ronald then attended Southwestern at Memphis (now know as Rhodes College). He played football and was on the 1961 National Baseball Championship team. He was the baseball team captain in 1964. He was president of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Ronald then continued his education at the University of Tennessee, School of Dentistry. From which he graduated in December 1967 and went on to open his own dental office in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1971. Dr. Splann also served in the US Coast Guard from 1971-1973 where he was assigned to the Public Health Service as a LCDR. During his years of active practice of dentistry, Dr. Splann was past President of the Garland County Dental Society, a member of the Arkansas State Dental Association, and American Dental Association. He practiced the profession he loved for 29 years and retired in 1998. Dr. Splann was an active participant of the Hot Springs community. He was President of the Hot Springs Jaycees and served as judges’ chairman for the Miss Arkansas Pageant for many years. Ronald was a life member of the Church of Christ and loved the Lord. Dr. Splann was also an avid golfer and leaves behind many golf buddies and tons of memories. Ronald was predeceased by his parents and his first wife Laura Jo Agree Splann. He is survived by his wife, Diane Lane Aitken Splann; one son, Chris Splann; one brother and sister-in-law, Frank, Jr. and his wife Susie; two step-sons and their wives, Shane and Tina Aitken and Todd and Nikki Aitken; 6 grandchildren-Utah, Mason, Daylee, Brayden, Isabella, and Griffin Aitken. Ron will be greatly missed by all who loved him dearly. Visitation will be Friday, November 25 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Funeral Service Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Gross Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Hollywood Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Denver McRae, Don Brady, Rick Lane, Keith Arman, jimmy Burris, and Wimpy Tucker.