Ronald Thomas Turchi, 71 of Malvern, Arkansas passed away August 7, 2020 at his home. He was born November 24, 1948 in Pine Bluff, AR. He is preceded in death by his parents Kathryn Hunter Turchi and Johnny Turchi, as well as his sister Myra Elizabeth Turchi. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Turchi, whom he married July 22, 2015, his brother Rodney Turchi (Toni) of Little Roc,; his three children Tiffani Reynolds (Bobby) of  Star City, Angel Amick of Benton, and Lee Turchi (Ashley) of Bauxite, his two step daughters Amy Jo Nokes (Rusty) of San Antonio and Beth Barnes (Brad) of Malvern, his five grandchildren Leah Bolen (Michael), Destin Amick, Grace Turchi, Leikyn Turchi and Maddox Turchi, step grandchildren Austin Pierce, Dillon Nokes, Grace Pierce, Cameron Nokes and Tanner Barnes, two great grandchildren Cayden Bolen and Adelyn Bolen, his nephews Tyler Turchi (Annie) and Nicholas Turchi (Heather) and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Ron was a graduate of Pine Bluff High School and University of Arkansas at Monticello with a double major in Physical Education & Health and Speech & Dramatic Art. He began his teaching career in the Pine Bluff School District and retired as an Adult Education teacher at the Ouachita River Correctional Unit. Ron began martial arts training in 1966 and received his black belt in 1974. His teaching in both education and martial arts led him to many lifelong achievements and accomplishments.

Over his many years of practicing and teaching martial arts, he became one of the top instructors in the country. His fighting skills gained him a reputation of being one of the toughest fighters in the country in the mid-70s. He is considered a martial arts pioneer in the state of Arkansas and abroad. He won 6 Grand Championships and numerous regional and national titles during his span of competitive years. Ron practiced in many disciplines of martial arts. He achieved the title of Grand Master and was inducted into several Halls of Fame including Southern Martial Arts, Taiho-Ryu Karate, Universal Martial Arts and U.S. Martial Arts.

Ron had a love for helping others and being involved in his community. He was an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of Arrow with the Boy Scouts. He also enjoyed umpiring baseball at many levels from Little League through college. He was selected to umpire at several Little League and Babe Ruth Regionals both nationally and abroad and two Babe Ruth World Series.

Whether he was called Ron, Mr. Turchi, or Grand Master everyone called attention to his generous friendship and loyalty to the thousands of students and people whose lives have been touched by him. He was a loyal Christian, father, grandfather, husband, teacher, brother, and friend. Although he is gone, his generous and loyal spirit will remain with us always.

*The martial arts community is welcome to wear their uniform to the service.

Memorials may be made to: Second Baptist Church Mission Fund, Ron Turchi Memorial, 210 W. Mill,,Malvern, AR 72104

Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guestbook at www.regencyfuneralhome.com.