The eldest son of Harold and Irene Burns, he graduated from Fort Smith High School in the Class of 1957. After a stint in college in Texas, Ronny left college and Arkansas and went northwest all the way to the Alaskan frontier. While in Alaska, he fought forest fires and celebrated Alaska becoming the 50th state. After that adventure, he hitchhiked all the way home to Arkansas where he fell in love with Sandra Moore, who became his loving wife for nearly 61 years.
Ronny spent a lifetime devoted to his family, his 38-year career at Riggs Caterpillar, his many friends, and to his love of restoring antique cars, building beautiful street rods that he drove in many Fort Smith parades and events. As a tribute to Ronny, his car friends are invited to drive their cars to the visitation.
Ronny was predeceased by his parents and leaves behind his family with loving memories: his wife, Sandy; daughter, Charity Burr (Richard) of Houston, TX; daughter, Meridith Burns of Fort Smith; and son, Justin, of Fort Smith. He also leaves six grandchildren who will miss their Gampy immensely: Hilary King (fiancé Andrew Grouios) of Leadville, CO; Andrew King (Jenna) of Atlanta, GA; Julie Harris (Travis) of Portland, OR; Brianna Douglas (Devonte Callahan) of Arlington, TX, Connor Coats of Fort Smith; and Makenzie Burns of Fort Smith. He also leaves four great-grandchildren who will miss growing up with their Great-Gampy: Rowan and Pearl Harris; Easilon Callahan; and Abigail King, due in July.
In addition to his immediate family, Ronny leaves his sisters Janice Davis of Fort Smith and Carolyn Maiden (Bill) of Rogers, AR, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
