Ronald Wesley Stovall

Ronald Wesley Stovall was born on March 31,1950, and was received into his Heavenly home on February 15, 2018. Throughout his life, he was a man of service — from active service in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, to Boy Scout camporees in the Mississippi woods, to serving countless Lions Club chicken plates, to thousand-mile road trips across this beautiful country — his heart always centered around a love of family and friends.

Ron was a man with a heart for others, who was recognized as a Life Deacon at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School; as a Melvin Jones Fellow with the Lions Club for his dedication to humanitarian services; and through the many testaments of those who knew him as a man who was always ready to lend a helping hand, to leading a prayer and encourage others, or to visit a needing friend.

Despite these many recognitions and his commitment to others, Ron was especially proud of his four children and eight grandchildren. Affectionately known as “PopPop,” his greatest delight was spending time with his grandchildren. He spent countless hours holding bottles, changing diapers, watching ball games and dance recitals, baiting a fish hook, and pushing a swing. On a sunny day you could often find him driving his golf cart with one or more of the grandkids hanging on for dear life. He loved his family and his family loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Lynn Merchant Stovall; his children, Micki Stovall (Ty) Posey, Amanda Stovall (Tony) Loomis, Suzanne L. (Richard) Vinson, and David E. (Anna) Stovall; and his grandchildren Audrey Grace Posey, Sydney Jewel Posey, Zachary Boehle Loomis, Katie LeighAnn Loomis, Caroline Elizabeth Loomis, Richard Joseph Vinson, Cora Rose Vinson, and Lucy Adelyn Stovall. He will be missed by his many extended family members as well.

Ron graduated from Pearl High School in 1968 and worked for Bell South as a service and digital technician for 35 years before retiring. He received a Certificate of Pastoral Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in his pursuit of serving Christ and his love for his church family. For many years he painted landscapes and created ink drawings, which were shared with family and friends. When there was an empty napkin at a restaurant or dinner table, he would soon fill it with ink and share it with folks around town.

At the time of his passing, he was comforted by Lynn, his wife, and Micki, his eldest child. Micki has since observed, “He watched me take my first breath, and I watched him take his last.” This is a poignant reminder that life is precious and fleeting, it is a cycle, one for which his family is thankful to have shared with Ron, one who had many names, including “husband,” “father,” “dad,” “PopPop,” and “friend.” Ron will be greatly missed, but before passing he asked, “Can I go home now?” His family is comforted knowing that he has indeed gone home to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ, having been welcomed through St. Peter’s heavenly gates.