Ronald Keith Pipkin

Ronald Keith “Ronnie” Pipkin, 72, left his diabetes ravaged body behind and walked straight and tall through Heaven’s gates in the early hours of this Father's Day Sunday, June 17, 2018 at the John R. Williamson Hospice House. He was born on October 27, 1945 to Daniel Woodrow and Kathleen Keith Pipkin in Santa Barbara, California.

Ron graduated from El Dorado High School in 1963 and in 1969 earned his Undergraduate Degree in Psychology from Southern Arkansas University. In 1975 he started his career at the South Arkansas Regional Health Center Psychiatric Program as the activity therapist in the Camden facility. Later he became DWI Instructor for Ouachita, Columbia and Union Counties. In 1978 he received his Master's Degree from Louisiana Tech University after which he found his niche for the next eighteen years as Director of the Recovery Center for Alcohol and Drug Addictions in El Dorado. With his counseling skills he had a profound effect on many lives in South Arkansas.

As a young man Ron traveled the world in search of new adventures. He was deeply interested in learning and experiencing different cultures of the world, and made many life-long friends along the way. He was an avid sports fan and an especially fierce fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

He was a throwback to the 60's, a master of trivia and a charming source of dry wit and sarcastic humor. He was a kind soul, a loyal friend and a charismatic gentleman.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers-in-law, David Shipp and Jeff “Hollywood” Hall.

He will be missed by his daughter, Devin Smith, of El Dorado and son, Adam Adams (Pam) of Elgin, Texas and grandchildren, Hillary Adams, William Adams and Grace Adams. Also surviving are sisters, Sherry Nuijten (Dutch) of Leesburg, Florida, Becky Richards (Lee) of Dallas, Texas, and Judi Shipp Hall (David) of El Dorado. He also leaves behind nephews, Brian Bachman (Christine) of Alonquin, IL and Jared Shipp (Melissa) of El Dorado and nieces, Katie Huber (John) of Denver, CO, Lindsey Shipp Hall (Jason) Benton, LA, and Kirbi Richards of Dallas, TX, plus several cousins and great nieces, Alyssa, Lorna, Tessa, Shona, Jayda and Eliza along with great nephews, Baz, Leo, Aiden, Obi and a very special dog, Shemp.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Janice Smith for providing excellent care and support these past two years as Ron battled the effects of his illness. Also, to Rev. Winston Roden, Phillip Blackwell and a host of other class mates, neighbors and friends for their unwavering emotional support. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of John R. Williamson Hospice House who are truly God's angels on earth.

Visitation will be from 6:00pm until 8:00 pm, June 29th at Young's Funeral Directors. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 30, 2018 at St. Mark United Methodist Church with Rev. Winston Roden officiating. The family will receive guest beginning at 2:00 p.m. until service time at the church. A private interment will be held at a later date at Arlington Memorial Park.

Cremations services entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to St Marks UMC, 2010 W. Hillsboro St, El Dorado, Arkansas, 71730 or to the John R. Williamson Hospice House, 2301 Champagnolle Rd, El Dorado, Arkansas 71730.

Although Ron is spiritually with God, a special part of him remains in our hearts and memories. Rest in Peace, dear one.

An online registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.