Ronald Dean “Ronnie” Pollard, age 87, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Macon Health Care Center, Macon, Missouri. He was born the son of Alva Lee “Bud” and Lavenia (Needels) Pollard on Saturday, March 18, 1939, in Proctorville, Missouri. Ronnie was a resident of Salisbury, Missouri, where he spent his later years surrounded by family and friends.
Ronnie was a proud 1957 graduate of Braymer High School, where he excelled in football, showcasing his dedication and team spirit. He was united in marriage to Brenda Gates in 2009 in Keytesville, Missouri. She survives of the home.
His work ethic carried him through a long and fulfilling career as a line-worker at Donaldson’s in Chillicothe, Missouri, and as a self-employed farmer, where he cultivated not only crops but also a legacy of hard work and perseverance. A man of simple pleasures, Ronald found joy in fishing and was an avid supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs, rarely missing a game. His love for the outdoors and sports was only surpassed by his love for his family.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Brenda Pollard of Salisbury, Missouri; his son, David Pollard of Trenton, Missouri; and two daughters, Tammy Shearer (Neal) of Houma, Louisiana, and Tiffany Kanak (Shawn) of Oak Grove, Missouri. He also leaves behind his step-daughter, Trudy Taylor (Rodney) of Kansas City, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Aaron Coedy Pollard, Ashley Roper, Emily Carlos, Claire Shearer, Meagan (Troy) Cloninger, Haley (Shawn) Flippo and Tanner (Anna) Kanak; several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who will carry forward his legacy of kindness and strength. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alva Lee “Bud” Pollard and Lavenia Pollard, as well as his sister, Betty Jean Van Horn.
A visitation will be held at Lindley Pitts Funeral Home in Braymer, Missouri, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, followed by a Funeral service at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be held at the Phares Cemetery, Braymer, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Phares Cemetery and may be left or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home. P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Pitts Funeral Home, Braymer, Missouri.
