Ronald Dean Hollingshead

Ronald Dean Hollingshead, 79, of Fayetteville died April 14, 2014 at Washington Regional Hospital. He was born March 13, 1935 in Kilgore, Texas the son of Harlow William Hollingshead and Loraine Gillcoatt Hollingshead. The family farmed in east Arkansas and then moved to Little Rock. He enlisted in the U. S. Air Force when he was 17 years old and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. After he left the service he went to Northern Illinois University, where he graduated with a degree in English in 1962. Ron began a career in Meat Inspection with the state of Arkansas in 1970 and then went on to work for the United States Department of Agriculture where he Retired in 1997. He moved to Fayetteville seven years ago after having spent the previous 25 years in the Mountain Home, Ark. area. Ron was an active member and leader for many years in Alcoholics Anonymous in Little Rock, Magnolia, Fayetteville, and Mountain Home, Ark. He was always willing to sponsor, help, and financially support anyone who went to AA. He organized several new AA chapters and treatment facilities. His family was very proud that he had helped so many and that he, himself had achieved over 40 years of sobriety. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; both of his brothers; and his wife, Carolyn. He is survived by two sons, Ron Alan Hollingshead and his wife Martha, of Fayetteville, Keith Hollingshead of Fayetteville; one daughter, Hilary Lentini and her husband A.J. of Los Angeles; five grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous, 312 W. North Street, Mountain Home, Ark. 72653. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Arkansas Veteran's Home, 1179 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, Ark. 72703. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home, Fayetteville. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.