Ronald Dean High, 79

Ronald "Ronnie" Dean High, 79, of Gainesville, died July 2, 2026, at his home with his wife by his side. As he requested, he was cremated. Burial will be at a graveside service at Loftis Cemetery near Gainesville at a later time.

He was born Nov. 28, 1946, to Clifford and Dorothy Piland High in Gainesville, the youngest of 8 children.

After graduating from Gainesville High School, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he met and married Janet Honeycutt. They had one son, Darell. After Janet died, Ron and Darell moved back to Ozark County where he married Alta Griffith, adding daughters Trisha and Lori to the family.  

Ronnie and Alta were married on Sept. 1, 1971, and were married for 54 years.

Ronnie was a carpenter and a farmer; he loved all outside work. He also enjoyed hunting, all kinds: deer, squirrel, coon, turkey and quail. He looked forward to traveling to Colorado to hunt elk with his buddies Eldon Neely and Wally Goode, and later on his son Darell and daughter Lori.

Ronnie will be missed so much by those who loved him.

Ronnie is survived by his wife Alta, of the family home; three children: Darell (Chris), Trisha and Lori Kahler (Ken); one sister, Faye Hightower of Colorado; two grandsons: Curt High and Hunter Kahler; and two great-grandchildren: Bentley and Felicia High.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Ray, Jim, and Eldon; sisters: Pauline, Bonnie and Joyce; grandson David; and great-granddaughter Amber.

Donations in his honor can be made to the Loftis Cemetery, Griffith Cemetery or the cemetery of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.