Mr. Ronald Allen Harris

Ronald Allen Harris was born on April 24, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Lotis and Marie Harris and transitioned from this earthly life on May 24, 2026. Ron was raised in Magnolia, Arkansas, where he learned the values of faith, hard work, and service that would guide him throughout his life. He graduated from Walker High School with the Class of 1975 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1979. While attending the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Ron met Sue Nevels, the love of his life. They were married on April 15, 1981, and shared 45 years together. Ron’s distinguished career with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service began in 1977 as a summer intern. What started as an internship grew into a career spanning more than four decades. Throughout his years of public service, he served communities and agricultural producers across Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, and at the National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. His leadership roles included Soil Conservationist, District Conservationist, Area Conservationist, Program Lead Manager, and Advisor to the Natural Resources and Environment Deputy Under Secretary for the Gulf of Mexico. Ron finished his career as Director of Outreach and Partnership, a position he considered the pinnacle of his service and held with great pride. He led with purpose. Whether coordinating programs, engaging partners, or advocating for resources, Ron fostered trust and understanding wherever he went. He had an ear for every voice and a gift for turning that listening into lasting impact, teaching people to steward the land and making conservation more inclusive along the way. He also served on committees and advisory boards within 1890 and HBCU institutions, advocating for the next generation of students entering agriculture. For all that he accomplished in his career, Ron often said that being a husband, father, and grandfather was the greatest joy of his life and what he was proudest of. His marriage to Sue was the foundation, a partnership built on deep love, mutual respect, and a quiet kind of devotion that everyone around them could feel. As a father, he was steady, patient, and present, sharing his wisdom with humor and grace, and believing in his kids in a way that made them believe in themselves. To Teagan, Trevor, Tiffany, and Taylin, he was Papa, and there was nothing he treasured more. He loved deeply and helped freely, and he had a way of making the people around him feel seen, whether at the kitchen table or across a conference room. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Lotis and Marie Harris; his son, Chaz Harris; and his brothers, Harold Harris and Douglas Harris. Left to cherish his memory is his devoted and loving wife of 45 years, Sue Harris of Olive Branch, Mississippi; his daughter, Jessica Roe (Tim) of Olive Branch, Mississippi; his son, Bryan Harris of Olive Branch, Mississippi; and his four grandchildren, Teagan, Trevor, Tiffany, and Taylin Roe, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. He is also survived by his brother, Gregory Harris (Vanessa) of Olathe, Kansas; his sister, Alda Fisher of Dallas, Texas; and his sister-in-law, Belinda Harris of Omaha, Nebraska. Ron also leaves to cherish his memory his two devoted aunts, Mary H. (Jimmy) and Lou Ester Williams of Waldo, Arkansas; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his kindness and presence. Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at R.L. Reed Funeral Home Chapel in Magnolia, Arkansas at 11:00 a.m., under the direction of R.L. Reed Funeral Home, LLC. “For precaution due to the COVID-19, Masks are Encouraged but Not Required While Attending the Services. However, wearing masks ensures safety for you and others. Thank you.”

Mr. Ronald Allen Harris

April 24, 1957 - May 24, 2026

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Mr. Ronald Allen Harris

April 24, 1957 - May 24, 2026

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information