Ronnie Lynn Elder, 75, of Ripley passed away Friday, January 16, 2026 at his residence. A visitation will be held beginning at 10 AM Monday at First Baptist Church Ripley, where he was a member, with funeral services to follow at 1 PM. Interment with military honors will follow in Ripley Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Elder was retired from the Army National Guard which he served for 44 years. He later served as the Lauderdale County Veteran’s Service Officer and was a long time County Commissioner.
The widower of Mary Celia “Seal” Elder, he is survived by two daughters Jennifer Kimble (Shawn) and Melissa Helton (Jeremy) both of Jackson; his mother Shirley Elder of Ripley; four grandchildren Julia Kent, Jack Kent, Lawson Helton, and Lake Helton and two great-grandchildren Layton and Beau. He was preceded in death by his father Lawson Elder and sister Lisa Elder.
The family requests memorials go to the Gideons International, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or First Baptist Church Ripley Kid’s Beach Club.
