Ronald Burks Obituary

Ronald Dean Burks, 69, of Maumelle, Arkansas passed away on May 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his junior high sweet heart and loving wife of 50 years, Brenda Carter Burks, son Matt Burks (Elisha), daughter Whitney Plummer (Adam), grandsons Braxton and Cannon Burks, younger brothers Randy (Lorraine) and Ricky Burks (Yvette), step siblings, Brian Bentley, Clint Harper(Julie), Cindy Cecil (Cliff) , Karen Grayson (Larry) and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ronnie is proceeded in death by his father, Ronald L. Burks and stepmother Bernice, and mother, Dorothy Harper and step- father, Clinton.

Born on November 22, 1955, in Port Hueneme, California, Ronnie graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1974, where he played noseguard on the 1972 State Champion Wildcat football team and was named Who’s Who in American high school football.

Ronnie dedicated 44 years of his life to protecting and serving his community. He joined the North Little Rock Police Department as a cadet in 1974. After becoming an officer, he worked his way up to the rank of Captain before retiring in 1998. Ronnie was then selected as Chief of the Arkansas State Highway Police where he served until his retirement in 2019. Ronnie was a member of the International Association of Police Chiefs and a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Ronnie was inspired by the courage, dedication, and enthusiasm of the athletes of The Special Olympics and because of his work, leadership and fundraising efforts for the organization, he was inducted into Special Olympics Hall of Fame.

Ronnie loved to play golf and achieved his first hole in one last year and would attribute his good luck to the fact he was an avid recycler. He was always up for new adventures and challenges and loved traveling with his wife Brenda. Ronnie loved and appreciated his family and friends deeply, and treasured time with his grandsons

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Sherwood from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., immediately followed by a celebration of life. A graveside burial service will follow at Rest Hills Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Special Olympics of Arkansas or St. Jude’s.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170