Ronnie "Red" Lee Romine

Ronnie "Red" Romine, 74, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the family he worked so hard his entire life to provide for.

Red was born on January 7, 1952, to the late Earl Romine and Bunice (Benton) Romine. On July 7, 1979, he married the love of his life, Linda (Cavesina) Romine. For over 47 years, Red and Linda were the absolute definition of perfect partners, navigating life, raising a family, and adventuring side by side.

A man of deep work ethic and endless dedication, Red spent his early years operating heavy equipment for CK Lafevers. He went on to spend 30 years as an owner-operator truck driver for Hirschbach, driving alongside his loyal employee and friend, Ronnie "Squirrel" Sutherland. After being honored with the prestigious "Million Miles Safe Driving" award, Red decided it was time to park the rig-convinced that receiving the award meant they had just jinxed his safe streak. Never one to sit still, he transitioned to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), where he worked faithfully until retirement. Red was of the Baptist Faith and attended the Heart Baptist Church..

As hard as Red worked, he lived entirely for his family. He was a constant provider, a quiet example of integrity to his children, and his kids' biggest fan. Red lived for family time and especially family vacations. He happily went wherever Linda led him, with the two of them spending an entire year planning their next big trip, and then starting the plans for the next one before the current one had even ended. His absolute favorite place on earth was nestled in the mountains of Estes Park, Colorado.

In his retirement years, Red found his greatest joy in being a grandfather and great-grandfather. You rarely found him at home because he was always traveling across the country wherever his grandchildren were. Distance was never an obstacle; whether it was driving around the country to watch his grandkids play ball, Red was always in the stands cheering. He loved every single one of his grandkids fiercely, though he never let anyone forget that Livy held a special, unspoken spot as his favorite.

He is survived by his beloved wife and partner, Linda Romine; his two children, Jesse (Laurie) Romine of Salem, AR, and Lena (Josh) Smith of Glencoe, AR; ten cherished grandchildren: Coelton (Reagan) Romine, Charlie (Kendra) Romine, Cassidy Romine, Elijah Romine, Livy Smith, Preston Romine, Caleb Smith, Braden Romine, Kole Romine, and Irylinn Romine; and three adored great-grandchildren: Ally, Jessie, and Woods; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Bunice Romine; his brother, Larry Romine; and his half-siblings: Vondal (Elsie) Romine, Weldon Romine, Dairel (Fem) Romine, Gaylon (Vickie) Deavers, and Ravena Booth.

Visitation will be 9:00 A.M. until time of service on Saturday November 7, 2026, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. Logan Welch officiating.

Interment will follow services at the Burks Chapel Cemetery in Heart, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are Jesse Romine, Josh Smith, William Hurtt, Preston Romine, Caleb Smith, and Kole Romine. Honorary Pallbearers are Livy Smith, Ronnie Sutherland, Sonnie Bray, Cleo Hackney, and Jim Clayton.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association .

Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.