Dr. Ronnie Lee Hartness (Ron) passed away peacefully at his home in Starkville on April 14th with his wife and children by his side.
Ron was born October 14, 1946, to Leroy and Earline Malone Hartness in Louisville, MS. He was raised between the communities of Liberty and Plattsburg in Winston County, MS. The middle child (only boy) of five children, he learned at an early age the need to work hard and take pride in the job to be done. Picking cotton, hauling pulp wood, and running a milk route are a few of the ways he helped his father growing up.
A graduate of Noxapater High School, Ron attended East Central Community College, and earned a BS, MS, and PhD from Mississippi State University.
While at Mississippi State, he met his wife of 51 years, Virginia Phillips. He started a 26-year career with the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service in Marshall County before relocating to Starkville to raise his family. Ron enjoyed people, music, animals, and Mississippi State athletics. The Extension Service allowed him to work with farmers, FFA, 4-H and horse shows. Due to his love for community and children, he enjoyed being the public address announcer for Starkville Academy Athletics for 40 plus years. He worked as an auctioneer during his second career after retirement. These endeavors created opportunities for friendships throughout his life.
Ron leaves behind his wife, Virginia Phillips Hartness, his daughter Laura Hartness Smith (Chad), his son Phillip Lee Hartness (Karen) and his sister Kay Emmons (Larry). One of his greatest joys was being “Paw Paw” to his grandsons Cole Smith and Brayden Smith; and “Big R” to his granddaughters AJ Hartness, Kaylee Hartness and Wynne Hartness.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Mae Horne, Estelle McLaurin and Faye Powell.
As Ron joins Jesus on the greatest pasture tour ever, it is fitting to share his words that he announced at the end of every Starkville Academy ballgame he called:
“This is the ole announcer! See you next time at the ballpark. Good night!”
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial gifts to the
Starkville Academy All- In Campaign
505 Academy Rd Starkville, MS 39759

A special thank you to Team Holton for their care and companionship for “Mr. Ron.”