Ronald Eugene Harrod

Ronald Eugene Harrod loved his family, politics and history were his passions.  He would readily share his Christian faith. He lived his life by Matthew 18:15.   He was born November 7, 1947 in Warren (Bradley County) to the late Catherine and Bruce Harrod.  He was called “Hot Shot” by his papaw, Charlie and mama, Beatrice Harrod.   Anyone that was around him for any time would understand how he got that nickname.  He completed his earthly journey June 8, 2023.

Ron is survived by Claudetta Shinn Harrod, his wife of 55 years and their son, Charlie Bruce Harrod (Sheila) of Conway; granddaughters, Emma and Lily Harrod;  his brother, Roger (Libby) of Maumelle; Carla Wardlaw (Marty) of Hermitage; 11 nieces and nephews; Larry Shinn, brother-in-law of Georgia.    He was proceeded in death by his sister Sharon Braswell (Eddie Charles) of Warren. 

Ron was a graduate of Dumas High School.  Then he attended Ouachita Baptist University where he studied political science.    This is where his love of politics was enhanced.  He would drive Political Science Professor, Dr. Bob Riley to various events.  He enjoyed those stories as it was a living history.  He was appointed to various boards and commission by then Governor Bill Clinton.

He served four years on the state Alcohol Beverage Control Board. During his tenure they oversaw some of the most sweeping reforms the ABC Board has ever undertaken at that time.  Baxter County went wet during that time period.   In 1983, he was appointed to the State Highway Commission where he worked diligently for ten years.   He was proud of the professionalism of those that worked for the Highway Department.  He enjoyed speaking at various civic events.   He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church until, he left the area for a time.

He served as Arkansas Insurance Commissioners Licensing Advisory Board member beginning January 1990 for several years.  He served as President of his own public affairs firm.  He was a contract lobbyist starting in 1993 until 2019.   This was what he enjoyed doing.  He enjoyed giving tours of the State Capitol, sharing history of the state’s politics explaining about various events that had happened.  Ron really was a people person. He was good at telling stories or jokes no matter how complicated. 

He had said that he would someday write a book about his experiences but he didn’t before he couldn’t.  It would have been a great read.  He did love to talk with people.  He was a people person.  Once he had a task there was no stopping him until it was done.

Our Suckles Lake friends and neighbors made it possible for him to be with his family.    They readily helped no matter the task.  The family thanks Gentiva Hospice as they took excellent care with him and his family.

The family will have a private life celebration of his life at a later date. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923.