James Ronald Wirt

James Ronald “Big Ronnie” Wirt, 76, of Water Valley, MS went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 4, 2021. Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Augustus Wirt; mother, Pearl Tate Wirt; daughter, Rhonda Renee Farris; and grandson, James Michael Merrick. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Geraldine May Wirt; daughter, Dana Leanne Hughey(Andy); daughter, Regina Dawn Rushing; son, James Ronald Wirt, Jr.; son, Robert Hall; sister, Eleanor Wilbanks(Edwin); grandchildren: Jon Devon Farris, Ashely Hughey, Jessy Read, Drew Hughey, and Christina Wirt; and great-grandchildren: Cruz Read, Ashley Merrick, Michael Hughey, and Gracie Hughey. Ronnie was full of life and had a great sense of humor, with a little bit of a mischievous side. He would always “command the room” and never met a stranger. He had a servant’s heart and always ready to help anyone in need. According to the family, he was “rough around the edges, but a very precious soul.” He began working for American Electric at the age of 18 and quickly worked his way up into management and eventually became plant manager. He later bought his own company and opened a plant in Senatobia called US Ballast where he employed over 160 people. He was very innovative and could design almost anything. He designed the conveyor system for his plant. In his free time, he was a big outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing for bass and crappie. He also was a drag racer for a number of years. The most important decision he ever made was to give his life to Jesus Christ in 2017. Ronnie’s family will hold a memorial service at a later date to honor his life.