Ronald Edward Whitaker

Graveside services for Ronny Whitaker, age 77, of Ruston, will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at Hurricane Cemetery in Athens, with Rev. Brian Mercer and Rev. Doug Degraffenried officiating.

Services are under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.

Ronald Edward Whitaker of Ruston, was born on March 4, 1946, in Warren, Arkansas and passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2023, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era and retired from BP Amoco after 25 years.

Ronny was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his vegetables with his family, neighbors, and friends. He also enjoyed fishing with his buddy, Ed and spending time at Crowes Nest hunting camp.

He will be greatly missed by his family, special neighbors, and friends. Ronny was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Grace Whitaker; sisters, Marilyn Whitaker and Florine Moore; and brother, Eugene “Whit” Whitaker.

Ronny is survived by his wife of 52 years, Martha Whitaker; son, Ron Whitaker and wife Meredith of Ruston; daughter, Ginger Grimes of Charleston, S.C.; sisters, Betty Luttering and husband Ty, Connie Guidry and husband Bubba, all of Katy, Texas; special sisterin- law, Jean Whitaker of Shreveport; grandchildren, Anna Grace McClain and husband Nathan, Jack, John and Ella Kate Whitaker and Harris and Griffin Grimes; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, American Cancer Society or JDRF, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.