Ronnie Jay Cato II

Ronnie Jay Cato II, 44, of Blytheville, passed from this life Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020, at the NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. Born to Ronnie Jay and Imogene Campbell Cato in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Ronnie was employed as a quality control repairman for Nucor Yamoto Steel and served his country with Honor in the United States Army. People who knew Ronnie and probably some who didn’t know him soon discovered that Ronnie had a great sense of humor. He loved playing pranks and making jokes even in situations where it wasn't always appropriate. Ronnie possessed a true gift in that he always knew how to make people laugh and he lived his life full of laughter and love. Ronnie was also an individual who loved the outdoors, especially hunting. He was an excellent marksman which he learned in his time of service and from his father as he was growing up. Ronnie loved to spend time tearing down and cleaning his weapons. He had a profound knowledge of all different types. He loved target practice which required a lot of ammunition which Ronnie would make himself. When Ronnie would go out shooting, he would also take his beloved dog “Drago” whenever he could. Ronnie possessed strong work ethics and was a devoted employee whose crew were like his own family. However, Ronnie’s work also made his free time very precious and he would look forward to spending it with family as much as possible. Ronnie was a devoted husband and father who loved traveling with family. Sadly enough, Ronnie’s beloved wife of 21 years, Heather Peterson Cato passed from this life 4 1/2 years ago. Ronnie was also preceded in death by his father, Ronnie Jay Cato Sr.

Ronnie is survived by his two sons, Ronnie Jay Cato III of the home, Johnathon Cato of Fayetteville; daughter, Korrin Cato of Fayetteville; mother, Imogene Campbell Cato of Blytheville; brothers, Johnny Cato and his wife Sharlene of Blytheville, Mikel Cato and his wife Francine of St. Roberts, Mo.; sister, Jeanie Hess and her husband, Kenny of Blytheville; father and mother-in-law, John and Linda Peterson of Blytheville; mother-in-law, Susan Peterson of Burlington, Iowa; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Zachary Peterson of Burlington, Iowa; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, April and James Conne of Burlington, Iowa; brother-in- law and sister-in-law, Chris and Rhonda Brizendine of Manila; and a host of other family and friends.

A memorial service with military honors will be held Thursday, Nov. 5, at 12:00 noon in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Raymond Golphin officiating. Interment will take place in the Birdeye State Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye for family only at a later date. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

Following the State of Arkansas COVID-19 guidelines, no more than 100 people will be allowed to gather inside of Cobb Funeral Home and practice social distancing, keeping a 6-foot distance between one another. Face masks are required to enter the building and to be worn at all times.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested by the family to be made to the St. Jude Hospital or to the charity of choice.