Ronnie Dunavin

MONETTE - Ronnie Gerald Dunavin was born on July 8, 1948, in Leachville. He was the seventh and youngest child of Jeff Davis Dunavin and Tressie Ladd Dunavin, a family of tenant farmers and cotton pickers. He grew up in Childers before moving to Monette when he was in high school, to the house where his parents, his older sister, and eventually he himself would spend their final days.

Ronnie married Stella Doyle of Wentzville, Mo., on Feb. 5, 1977. They have two sons, Ronnie Douglas Dunavin of Manila, and Jerald Davis Dunavin of Bridgeport, Conn.

Ronnie graduated from Monette High School in 1966. He earned a degree in History from Arkansas State University in 1972. He worked as a teacher and a social worker but felt called to the ministry. He earned his Master's of Divinity from St. Paul Seminary in Kansas City in 1984 and a Doctorate in Ministry from Lexington Theological Seminary. His doctoral thesis focused on pastoral care for migrant farm workers, a cause that remained close to his heart throughout his life.

He was ordained in the United Methodist Church on June 7, 1984, just days before the birth of his second son. For the next four decades, he served mostly at rural churches across Missouri, often in small towns in the Missouri Bootheel not far from where he grew up. To the congregations he served, he was a guiding light of wisdom and kindness. His sermons were often warm, funny, and humble, and most importantly, focused on God's love and grace.

Ronnie loved sports, especially the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Chicago Cubs. Some of his happiest memories were coaching the St. Charles Beavers basketball team. He also loved literature, especially William Faulkner and John Steinbeck, and American history.

Ronnie was preceded in death by one brother, Ermel, and three sisters, Freida Gray, Vanita Perry, and Oleta Birondo.

He has two surviving brothers Jeff Wayne Dunavin of Paragould and Burley Don Dunavin of Florida; eight nieces and nephews, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held under the direction of Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home, in Macey Cemetery on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 1 p.m., with Reverend Susan Marner Sides and Larry Ladd officiating.

Roger Huber, Jacob Huber, Mark Dunavin, and Tom Haynes will honor him by serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Larry Ladd, Jerry Hanna, Mike Carlton, Johnny Tolson, and Denny Chaffin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Macey Cemetery, care of Larry Ladd, 1401 Kelton St., Lake City, Ark., 72437.