Ronald "Ron" Gartman

Ronald “Ron” Gartman, age 73, of Jonesboro, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at NEA Baptist Hospital.

Ron was born November 14, 1950, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to Melvin and Leila (Wooten) Gartman. He was a graduate of Nettleton High School. Ron was amazing Husband to the love of his life, Suzanne, of 41 years as well as a devoted Father and Grandfather to so many. He started working for JCPenney at age 18 in the stockroom in Jonesboro. During his 37-year career, Ron worked in all levels of store management including store manager, held district, regional staff positions including working in the corporate office in New York City. In the 37 years, he moved across the country 13 times with JCPenney. Mr. Gartman was a member of First Methodist Church of Jonesboro.

Ron had a love for his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed being present for the many activities of his children and grandchildren and was supportive of all they wanted to accomplish in life. Ron was quick to share his quick wit, advice and teaching lessons of life that would last forever. After retirement, he spent a lot of time at the family deer camp, referred to as “Magic Land”, for special times with his children, grandchildren, and brothers. Ron and Suzanne were the definition of true love. They loved their family, enjoyed traveling, snow skiing and going on adventures on his motorcycles.

Mr. Gartman was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Rick Gartman and Father-in-law, Earl Watkins.

Survivors include his wife, Suzanne; his sons, Ross (Denise) Gartman, Lance (Leslie) Gartman, Bart (Sheila) Gartman and daughter, Lori (Philip) Richards; 11 Grandchildren, Dalton Lacy, Jessie Gartman, Sydney Gartman, Noah Gartman, Tre Hedge, Logan Clippard, Emily Hughes, Boone Gartman, Alli Gartman, Bryce Ivey and Sawyer Ivey; 1 great grandchild, Corby Hughes; many nephews and nieces; 2 sisters, Barbara (Vernon, Jr.) Neal and Jennifer (Darren) Lipford; a brother, Tim (Brenda) Gartman; an uncle, Jim (Marvine) Wooten, aunt, Loreda McGill and Brother In Law, Wayne Watkins and special caregiving nephew, Gabriel Gartman.

Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Emerson Memorial Chapel, 1629 E Nettleton Avenue in Jonesboro with Funeral services following at 2 pm Saturday with John Miles officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Ross Gartman, Dalton Lacy, Noah Gartman, Boone Gartman, Bryce Ivey, and Sawyer Ivey serving as pallbearers.

The family wants to give a special thanks to NEA Cancer Center, Clinic and Hospital notably Dr Stephen Woodruff and the loving Physicians, Nurses and Chaplain, Claudia Brown.

For lasting memorials, the family requests donations be made to First Methodist Church of Jonesboro PO Box 608, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72403; or NEA Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1960, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403. To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.