Ronald "Ronnie" Herman Udouj

Ronald "Ronnie" Herman Udouj, 74, of Fort Smith, died July 27, 2015 in Fort Smith. He was born Feb. 23, 1941 in Fort Smith to Herman Joseph and Irene Cecilia Cook Udouj. Ronnie was a graduate of both St. Anne's Academy and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He was the co-owner of Bradford & Udouj Realty, general manager of Riverside Furniture, chairman of the board of River Valley Bank and Trust, president of the Arkansas Horseman's Benevolent Protection Association, developer of Fianna Hills Country Club, Owner-Breeder of the Year 1985 & 1987 of the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, and managing director/bloodstock agent of Sundridge Farms. Ronnie was a member of both Immaculate Conception and Christ the King Catholic Churches, a member of the Men of Faith Prayer Group, and founded the Palm Cross Ministry where he gifted handmade wooden crosses meant to bless people who were on hard times. He traveled the United States as an avid fly fisherman, was a member of the Christian Water Fowlers Association, an expert hunter and marksman, assisted by his dog "Buck", a true horse racing enthusiast and well known on Facebook for his photography of sunrises over the Arkansas River which he posted every morning with quotes about faith and God. Ronnie is survived by his wife Jane Taylor Udouj of the home; his children, Lt. Col. Eric Udouj (U.S. Army) of Tampa, Fla., Jane-Ellen Kutchka & husband Jay of Fort Smith, Paul Udouj of Naples, Fla., and Meredith Maurer & husband T.G. of Fort Smith; one brother, Phil Udouj of Beaver, Ark.; three sisters, Anne Udouj of Fort Smith, Mary Udouj of Fort Smith and Ellen Echols & husband Walter of Fort Smith; and six grandchildren, Claire Kutchka, Caroline Kutchka, Andrew Kutchka, Leah Kutchka, Genevieve Crisp and Parker Crisp. Rosary will be said on Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel and Mass will be said on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015 at 1 p.m. in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Services and cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Christ the King Catholic School (1918 S. Greenwood, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901) or Trinity Junior High School (1205 S. Albert Pike, Fort Smith, Ark. 72903). To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.