On October 8, 2023, RON COGBURN passed on from this earth to a greater place the way he lived his life – on his own terms – with dignity, respect and honor.

He died at Baptist Medical Center, under the care of their hospice team. Born in El Dorado, Ark., around midnight on October 4, 1937, he was raised around the oil fields of Smackover, Ark. Upon graduating from Smackover High School in 1955, Ron moved away to Fayetteville to the University of Arkansas. He graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor’s degree, a rarity in that time for many, especially from rural south Arkansas. He chose to serve our country’s military in the Army, where he played competitive fastpitch softball. In 1962, he was part of the team that won the national title in the US, and traveled overseas and won again garnering the unprecedented title of both a national and international champion. Ron was a long-time member of Pulaski Heights Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Little Rock. He served as deacon and elder. While there, he served on many committees, including two very dear to his heart: RAIN (Regional Aids Interfaith Network), and taking care of those ostracized and disowned by society and their families in a time where many wouldn’t have any contact with people with aids and the gay and lesbian task force. He was a past member of the Maumelle Country Club and the Little Rock Racquet Club. He was an avid sports fan (especially Razorback baseball) and kept his transistor radio by his side, tuned to sports talk and “drive time,” when he could no longer see his beloved team on TV due to his poor eyesight. He is survived by a nephew, Shane Leach, and his lifelong friend and constant, Evelyn Behrle. All that have known Ron were blessed, and those who didn’t (but were quietly helped) benefited. He made a huge difference by doing the small things and is an example to us all. Gifts may be made in Ron’s name to the Humane Society of Pulaski County, Lucie’s Place, and Pulaski Heights Christian Church (for general purposes). As requested by Ron, there will be no visitation or memorial service. Cremation arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.