Ronny Keith Shumate

Ronny Keith Shumate End of Watch: December 29, 2025 Ronny Keith Shumate was born in Arab, Alabama, on October 23, 1956. He graduated from Arab High School in 1975, where he was voted Class President, Most School Spirit, and Class Clown—traits that would follow him throughout his career and the rest of his life. Ronny began his working life as a professional horse trainer, specializing in Tennessee Walking and Racking Horses. He later became an over-the-road truck driver, traveling to 47 of the 50 states. In 1981, he married Denice Singleton. In 1983, Ronny began the career that would define him for the rest of his life when he joined the Huntsville Police Department. This calling led to 34 years in law enforcement, serving as a patrol officer, field training officer, D.A.R.E. instructor, and school resource officer with both the Huntsville Police Department and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department. A lifelong servant to his community, Ronny also held various elected positions, including service on the Arab City Council and the Marshall County Commission. Known by many as the “Voice of Arab,” Ronny was truly larger than life. Ronny was always known to have a story—whether in person or on the radio as the color commentator for Arabian Knights football broadcasts. He lived by the motto, “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” Despite his many accomplishments and deep involvement in the community, Ronny was first and foremost a family man. He devoted himself to being a loving husband, father, and grandfather—the latter being his favorite role of all. Ronny was preceded in death by his father, James Doyle Shumate; his mother, Verna Louise Eddy Shumate; and his brothers-in-law, Rickey Stewart, Jimmy Randall Murcks, and Lanny Anderton; Father-in-Law, James Singleton He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Denice Shumate; his sons, Clint Shumate (Jackie) and Cody Shumate; his daughter, Mary Beasley (Mark); his sister, Judy McCollum (Harry); and his grandchildren, Harper and Nathan Shumate. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Sandra Estes (Jackie), Roxanne Stewart, Carol Massey (Corky), and Cathie Kemp (Forrest), Mother-in Law, Dot Singleton; as well as a host of beloved nieces and nephews and cousins. Services for Ronny will include a visitation time at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel in Arab, on Friday, January 2, 2026 between the hours of 5:00pm and 8:00pm. On Saturday, January 3, 2025 Ronny will lie-in-state between the hours of 10:00am and 12:00pm at Arab First Baptist Church. The funeral service will be at 12:00pm with Charles Whisenant, Brother Clint Maze, Pastor Bill Cannon and Ms. Mary Beasley officiating. Serving as Pallbearers are Chad Robertson, Jeremy Griggs, Chris McNeece, Alex Murcks, Eddie Bonagat, Archie Anderson, Chris Stewart, and Forrest Kemp. Honorary pallbearers are All Fun 92.7 and Marshall County District 1 Shop employees. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.

Ronny Keith Shumate

October 23, 1956 - December 29, 2025