Obituaries
Ronald C. Spillers (06-16-2010)
Ronald C. Spillers, 71, of Batesville died Thursday, June 10, 2010 at his home. He was born Thursday, November 24, 1938 in Monroe, Louisiana and was the son of Cona S. and Lois (Brasher) Spillers.
Ronald graduated from Linville High School in Louisiana in 1956; then graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1962 and earned a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. On August 14, 1960, he married Caroline White, who was his wife of 49 years.
He then worked for Texas Eastman for 27 years and in 1989 was named president of Arkansas Eastman where he continued his career for 10 more years before retiring. He was a member and deacon at the First Baptist Church in Batesville; a member of the board at Lyon College, and a former president of Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville. He received the “Service above Self Award” from the Batesville Rotary Club. He was founder of the Arkansas Scholar Award; founder and first president of the Arkansas Quality Award. Ronald wrote a book entitled “Light to a Dark Corner” which is a history of Spencer, Louisiana where he grew up.
He loved the outdoors - hunting, fishing, and traveling. The Nature Trail at Arkansas Eastman was named after him.
Ronald was a leader, an encourager, was a very kind and positive person; a good friend to all; a good listener; was very fun to be with and had a great sense of humor; and he was a loving grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Caroline Spillers of the home; Sons: Kevin Spillers and his wife, Kelly of Chicago, Illinois; Christopher Spillers and his wife, Carla of Rogers, Arkansas; grandchildren: Amber Spillers, Jordan Spillers, Tyler Spillers, Dexter Spillers, Mason Spillers, Fletcher Spillers and Briana Berry; parents: Cona and Lois Spillers of Spencer, Louisiana; Sister: Sherry Spillers also of Spencer, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
The family wishes to express special appreciation to Ronald’s sitters, Deborah Stites and Annetta Prince.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Batesville with Reverend Frank Shell and Kevin Spillers officiating.
Burial followed the services at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville.
The family received friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Old Independence Regional Museum, PO Box 4506, Batesville, AR 72503; First Baptist Church Music Ministry, 610 E. Main Street, Batesville, AR 72501; and Lyon College, Office of Institutional Advancement, PO Box 2317, Batesville, AR 72503
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
