Ronald "Dewberry" Blade

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Arcadia. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until service time. Ronald Harper will officiate the service.

Ronald Gene “Dewberry” Blade, age 79, passed away on April 13, 2026, in Arcadia, La. His journey began on October 31, 1946, as the youngest son of Nebo and Adell Blade. He was born in Greenville, Mississippi. The Blade family was well known in town and the surrounding areas. Dewberry was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and a source of endless jokes.

He was a selfless man who never met a stranger and who stepped up when the time called for it. When the family came to him to take Michael Smith in, he did not hesitate to welcome him as his son. That moment led him to gain not only a son but also his granddaughter Katie, her significant other Tim, and her siblings. Katie describes him as a man whose life was marked by kindness, humor, and quiet generosity. He loved his family dearly, and his presence brought comfort and joy to all.

He married the love of his life, Karen Blade, on Dec. 16, 1974. Together, they enjoyed life to the fullest, their own way!

Dewberry retired from Martin Transport and will be remembered for his unwavering love for his childhood friends: Richard, Butch, Patty, Brother, and Tommy. They went to school together, grew up side by side, and raised their children together. Their friendship remained strong through both good times and bad.

Dewberry was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brothers Tommy, Richard, Charles, and Smutt, and his sister Clemmie. He is survived by his wife of over 52 years, Karen Blade; his brother, Joseph Blade, and his wife, Crystal; his son, Michael Smith; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, including his little knucklehead, Ayden. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews from both sides of the family, whom he loved dearly. They will always remember him as a strong, generous, humorous, blunt, and very opinionated uncle. Dewberry will be missed by all who knew him.

Honorary Pallbearers: Ayden Giles, Dixie Barnett, Dillion Blade, Heaven McKinney, Brayson McKinney