Funeral services for Ronald Tackitt. Age 65 of Thayer, MO will be at 3pm Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Clary Funeral Home in Thayer, MO, with Bro. Curtis Tackitt officiating, and burial following in the Mt. Calm Cemetery near Viola, AR.
Ronald Dean “Ronnie” Tackitt, age 65, of Thayer, MO, entered into eternal rest on Monday, July 21, 2025. He was born October 13, 1959, in West Plains, MO, to the late James Everett Tackitt and Emma Lou (Crawford) Tackitt of Gepp, AR.
Ronnie attended several schools throughout his youth, including those in Gamaliel, AR; Bakersfield, MO; and Viola, AR. In 1974, he met the love of his life, Gaila (Cotter) Tackitt, and the two were united in marriage on March 1, 1979, in Bakersfield, MO. Together, they shared 46 wonderful years of marriage.
Ronnie was a man of many talents. Whether it was carpentry, mechanics, farming, or machining—if something needed to be done, Ronnie could do it. He was the kind of man who would drop what he was doing to help someone else. A true perfectionist, he believed in doing things right, no matter how long it took, and he took pride in making sure every job was done to last.
He loved riding horses, especially with his grandchildren and his brother. In his younger days, he enjoyed coon hunting with his brother, brother-in-law, and friends. Deer hunting with his grandkids and sons-in-law brought him great joy. Ronnie also enjoyed his guns and spent many quiet hours reloading ammo. As a teenager, he had a passion for hot rodding—and throughout his life, he never met a stranger. Ronnie worked in a variety of roles throughout his life, including at Carrie’s Heating & Cooling in Mountain Home, AR, Dairy Farming, Foster Feed Store in Bakersfield, MO, and on the road at natural gas substations. He was a member of the Bakersfield Assembly of God Church and attended faithfully. Pastors Curtis and Margaret Tackitt were especially dear friends to him, and their fellowship meant a great deal to his heart.
Ronnie is survived by his loving wife, Gaila Tackitt; two daughters, Amanda Kemper and husband Jason, and Mindy Lawrence-Carter and husband Joshua. He was a proud Papa to ten grandchildren: McKenzie Holman and husband Tanner, Braden Bettis and significant other Emma, Christina Smith and husband Christopher, Kiley White and husband Elliott, Alyssa Kemper, Mya Lawrence, Jarrett Lawrence, Bradley Carter, Brooklyn Carter, and Kinsley Carter. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Raylan Holman, Caroline Smith, and Saila White—with one more great-grandchild on the way. Ronnie is also survived by his father-in-law, Carl Cotter; his beloved brother, BJ Tackitt; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law: John and Karla Turner, Kelly and Kim Cotter, and Greg and Ashley Cotter. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, LouElla Cotter; and his older brother, Larry Tackitt.
Ronnie’s legacy of love, faith, hard work, and deep devotion to his family will live on in all who had the blessing of knowing him. He will be deeply and dearly missed.
