On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, the McCool family lost their "Pop" after a brief and unexpected illness. He received superior care while at McClellan Veteran's Administration Hospital in Little Rock. His sudden absence has left a big hole in our hearts.

Ronald "Ron/Ronnie/Pop" Elmo McCool, age 74, was born in Santa Maria, California on November 1, 1948, to Mildred (Burks) and Elmo McCool. The family returned to their home in Malvern, Arkansas, where Ron grew up with his older brother, Robert. He attended Magnet Cove Elementary but moved to Malvern for the remainder of his schooling. He graduated from Malvern High School in 1966, then attended Henderson State University and received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1971. While in college, he and his high school sweetheart, Judy Yates, were married on May 31, 1968 (they would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this year). He also joined the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1969 and went on to serve a 40-year career, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 from Camp Robinson in Little Rock.

Ron is survived by his wife, Judy Yates McCool; daughter, Shay McCool Fortune (Mark) of Little Rock; son, Ryan McCool of Malvern; beloved grandchildren, Annie and Clem Fortune of Little Rock, Matthew, Derrick, Danny, and Dreake McCool of Malvern; best buddy and great-grandson, Max McCool. He is also survived by his brother, Robert McCool of Malvern; sisters-in-law, Jean Honold and Lois Marie Yates of Malvern; nephew, Bobby McCool (Kim) of Bella Vista; nephew, Barry Honold of Malvern; great-nephews Chandler, Tyler, and Robert McCool of Bella Vista, Justin (Angela) May of Fort Huachuca, AZ, and Joshua (Loren) Humphrey of Caryville, TN, and Gabe O'Connor of Malvern. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmo and Mildred McCool, and his canine companion, Bo, who just recently passed.

His grandchildren shared some of their favorite memories: "When we would go to McDonald's, Pop would order a 'moxie-oxy' for a macchiato; when he would push me on the old rope swing at the river house; when Pop taught me to drive the golf cart, when we would go "alien hunting" with sticks; when Pop drove us around the lake and we went tubing; and when he taught my friend and me how to fix a tire." "Pop showed all of us the importance of family and working hard for everything you have. He will be greatly missed by each and every one of us, but all of the values and memories he gave us will stay with us forever."

A man of many talents, Ron was known for his ability to fix, build, repair, or create almost anything; he was the ultimate handyman. He enjoyed spending time with his family and created environments that provided lots of memories for his grandchildren; there was always something fun for everyone – a pool, a river view, a lake house, a golf cart, a side-by-side, a boat, etc. Ron also loved playing golf with old and new friends, meeting at various "coffee clubs" around town, reading, and gardening. Given his uncanny knack for finding bargains on everything from small farm equipment to unique gadgets, Ron could often be found at auctions and estate sales throughout the community.

Please join Ron's family as they celebrate a life well lived during a visitation at Regency Funeral Home in Malvern on May 30th from 3:00-5:00pm and a graveside memorial service at Shadowlawn Cemetery in Malvern on May 31st 10:00am.

Pallbearers will be Matthew McCool, Mark Fortune, Clem Fortune, Bobby McCool, Chandler McCool, Tyler McCool, and Robert McCool.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of his McClure's coffee club: Danny Riggins, Larry Collins, John Haley, Leon Turner, and Rich Colananni, along with his golfing buddies: Bobby Daniels, Bill Corley, Johnny Corley, Chris Cranford, Curtis Breashears, Rodger Dorsey, Jay Freebold, Arnold Brannum, Carl Sealy, Joe Fry, Larry Griffith, Rodger Hathcock, Gary Lee, Steve McCallum, Terry Norris, David Stroud, Troy Teague, and Tom Starnes.

Memorials can be made to the Malvern Boys and Girls Club. 1840 Moline Street Malvern, AR 72104 or www.malvernbgc.com

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