Ronald "Ronnie' Marrs

Ronald Edward Marrs, Born September 3, 1949, joined his Heavenly Father on August 09, 2023.

Ronnie grew up in rural LaRue County in an area known to many as The Ridge. While in high school, Ronnie met the love of his life in history class. He and jane were married after graduating. Shortly after, at the height of the Vietnam conflict, Ronnie enlisted in the US Navy. He served in the Tonkin Gulf aboard the USS Intrepid.

Ronnie was an avid storyteller. He would share stories about life on The Ridge, how the values and lessons learned there carried him through life-the value of work, determination, grit and maybe most of all, the value of being a good shot. Ronnie spent many years working for the USDA Burley Tobacco Program. Some of his most interesting stories are from his tenure with the program and the friends made along the way. Ronnie began his career as a Tobacco grader in markets across the southeastern United States. During his time on the road, Ronnie had an auto accident and became a paraplegic. It was very important for him to have the ability to return to work. After a year of hospitalization and rehab/ Ronnie returned and continued to work his way up to Regional Director of the Burley Division, where he retired and closed the doors of the Lexington office after the program buyout.

Ronnies stories, much like the man, were often larger than life and full of color. Ronnie loved telling jokes and always had one ready, usually of the “spicy” variety. Ronnie also loved sneaking treats to his beloved pets and keeping his grandchildren well stocked on candy and chocolate during their visits.

Ronnie was a family man. He left behind his wife, Jane Turner Williams; three children, Emily Marrs, Amelia (Matt) Thomas and Hayden Williams; four grandchildren, Kayce Johnson, Avery Johnson, Georgia Thomas abd  Harper Thomas; one great grandchild, Maggie Johnson; his mother, Elsie Benningfield; a brother, Kenny Benningfield as well as many extended family members and friends that he held dear. Especially close to his heart were his Aunt Mardell and Uncle Jimmy.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his brother, Roger Marrs and several other family members and friends.

We know you’re in Heaven, surrounded by your friends who were waiting for you, sharing stories and swapping jokes. Ronnie, we know you wanted us to be happy for you- we are. We miss you; we love you and we will see you again.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Ronnie to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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