Ronald Clarence Gothard

Ronald Clarence Gothard, age 82, passed away on January 27, 2026, in Sunnyvale, Texas with his family by his side. He was born on June 24, 1943, in Dallas, TX to Clarence Vernon Gothard and Pearlene Halbrooks. Ron was born and raised in Dallas and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1962.

Upon graduating High School he joined the Army National Guard from May 19, 1964, to March 14, 1970, and earned the sharpshooter badge. Ron worked most of his career as a print shop manager at Docutel and Houghton Mifflin Publishing Company for more than 20 years.

He married his wife, Linda Joyce (Chaffin) Gothard in 1982 and together the couple had four children. Ron was a family man and enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends. Some of his favorite memories were spent visiting with his children, grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He loved spending time outdoors where you could find him hunting and fishing with his cousins, friends, son and son-in-law. During his relaxing time, he enjoyed reading historical novels and biographies as well as watching documentaries and Old Westerns. Ron was a member of the Mesquite Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association for 12 years.

Ron will be remembered as a fun lighthearted person who loved his family and friends deeply along with the great outdoors.

He is preceded in death by his father, Clarence Vernon Gothard and mother, Pearlene Halbrooks Gothard and his beloved dog and buddy, Boudreaux Clarence Gothard.

Ron is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda Gothard; daughter, Gayla Deeann Mann; stepson, Larry Duane Johnson; son, Chris Vining and his wife, Christy; son, Jeff Vining and his wife, Linda; daughter, Carrie Rickman and her husband, Richard and eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Ron will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 4 to 8 pm at Grove Hill Funeral Home, 3920 Samuell Blvd Dallas, TX 75228. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 6, at 10 am also at Grove Hill Funeral home with burial to follow the service at Grove Hill Memorial Park.