Obituary of Dr. Ronnie A. “Ron” McMurry

February 3, 1948 - January 6, 2026

U.S. Veteran

Dr. Ronnie A. “Ron” McMurry, a longtime family physician in Jasper, Texas, passed away after a lifetime of service to his community, country, and patients.

Born and raised in Jasper, Dr. McMurry was an 8th generation Texan, with childhood experiences shaping his lifelong commitment to ensuring that no one was denied medical care due to financial hardship. After earning his medical degree from the Universidad de Guadalajara in Mexico, with his first wife, Peg by his side, he returned home to establish a family practice and vowed never to turn away a patient because of inability to pay.

A combat veteran of two tours in Vietnam, Dr. McMurry helped establish medical clinics in isolated areas and later retired as a Major in the Texas Army National Guard. He was awarded the Silver Star for Meritorious Service.

Over four decades of practice, Dr. McMurry served as a full-scope family physician, delivering babies, caring for patients from birth through their final days, and often serving as one of the only providers across a seven-county region. He also served as Director of the Jasper-Newton County Public Health District, where he expanded indigent and prenatal care programs.

Ron was known for his quick wit and sense of humor, with most of his jokes recycled until they were funny again and countless car rides playing old gospel hymns or practicing his yodel. Ron’s robust hopes and ambitions were only outmatched by his diligent persistence in pursuing them—ultimately leading to a highly decorated and honorable life worth remembering. Whether it was earning a pilots license at 19, serving his country or completing the rigors of medical training, Ron pursued things relentlessly, no matter the barriers.

In 2003, he met and married his best friend and love of his life, Joanna. Twenty-two years of marriage was marked with adventure including renovating the family farm and filling it with animals (5 camels, 2 zebras, 1 zedonk and 6 donkeys) which made for quite the petting zoo for grandchildren to curious strangers and everyone in between.

In 2018, he was elected to the Jasper Hospital District Board of Directors and later served as President. Under his leadership, the district opened its first district-owned clinics in 2024—the Primary Care Pavilion in Jasper and Total Care at the Lake in Brookeland—marking a major milestone in expanding local healthcare access.

His persistence in overcoming obstacles started with humble beginnings and sustained through his dedicated military and medical careers, but most importantly in his love for his family and community. While his comforting words, timely comedic quips and warm smile will be missed by those who knew him, Ron’s legacy of service to his country, community and family will undoubtedly impact generations to come. The legacy of love, righteousness and courage to grab life by the horns and never back down lives on through those who knew and loved him.

Dr. McMurry is preceded in death by his parents, Bobby Jo Houseman and Norman Leon McMurry, brother Terry McMurry. He is survived by his wife, Joanna, his children Adrienne (Ben) Tumlinson of West Columbia, TX; Hillary (Jesse) Hickland of Belton, TX; and T. Scott (Tammy) McMurry of Kona, HI, step-sons Derek (Kozue) Hall of Okinawa, Japan; and Drew (Bethany) Hall of Puyallup, WA, siblings (Judy, Sue, Debra and David), 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Peachtree Baptist Church in Jasper on January 17th at 10:30 a.m., followed by burial at Homer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Gideons International and Peachtree Baptist Church.