Ronald Idell Daugherty, age 82, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, October 18, 2025. He was born on September 19, 1943, in Paris, Tennessee, to Jewell and Idell Daugherty.

Ron grew up in the small town of Wilmar, Arkansas, where he spent his youth helping on his family's tomato farm. He attended Wilmar High School, where he was known for his kind spirit, strong work ethic, and sense of humor. He was a proud member of the school's basketball team and was voted "Cutest" in his senior yearbook.

Soon after graduation, Ron married his first wife, Virginia (Bradley) Daugherty, and together they had three children — two sons, Ronnie and Gary, and a daughter, Regina.

In 1962, at just 19 years old, Ron discovered his lifelong passion for welding while working at Duracraft Boats, Inc. in Monticello, Arkansas. Though he began as a partsman, his determination to learn welding led him to practice during his lunch hours. Through persistence and natural skill, he became known as one of the finest aluminum welders in the state of Arkansas.

Over the years, Ron gained extensive experience in the boating industry, working with Ouachita Marine in Arkadelphia before joining the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) in Benton, where he continued to refine his craft and deepen his knowledge of materials and manufacturing.

He later married a second time. And in 1988, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for boat building, Ron founded his own company, Weld-Craft Manufacturing, Inc., in Benton, Arkansas. What began as a small operation building jon boats and specialty models grew into one of Arkansas's most respected names in aluminum boat manufacturing. His dedication to quality craftsmanship and hard work left a lasting mark on the industry and all who worked alongside him.

Ron later married his beloved wife and, as he often said, the "love of my life," Kaye (Parsons) Daugherty, on August 2, 1998. With Kaye, he gained three daughters — Wendy, Rebecca, and Sherri — and later lovingly adopted Justin and Bianca, completing his large and blended family.

Outside of work, Ron and Kaye shared a love of car shows, travel, and spending time with family and friends. He took great pride in attending every event for his grandchildren — from ball games to gymnastics meets — always their biggest supporter.

After Kaye's passing, Ron faced health challenges, including heart failure and bladder cancer. Yet through it all, his strength, humor, and love for his family never wavered. Surrounded by his children and grandchildren, he found comfort and peace in the care of those he cherished most.

Ron was a man who never saw lines between "blood" and "non-blood" family. He often said, "Family is family, and we take care of each other." His life and legacy reflect that love and devotion.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Jewell and Idell Daugherty, and his wife, Kaye Daugherty.

He is survived by his children: Ronnie (Michelle) Daugherty of Benton, Regina (Chuck) Lanehart of Wilmar, Gary Daugherty of Benton, Wendy Parsons (Michael) of Benton, Rebecca (Eric) Williams of Benton, and Sherri (Jason) Burks of Benton; his grandchildren: Matthew, Justin (Kourtney), Bianca (Derrick), Logan (Taylor), Nathan, Evan (Joahna), Zander (Corley), Eric, Tripp, Aubrey, Dalton, and Bella Sareen; and his great-grandchildren: Jaci, Mason, Aidin, Landon, Henley, Payton, Aria, and Ollie.

Visitation will be held at Ashby's Funeral Home, 108 W. Narroway St., Benton, AR, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Memorial Park, 7401 Hwy 5 N, Alexander, AR.

Pallbearers: Logan, Nate, Evan, Zander, Lil Eric, and Tripp.

Honorary Pallbearers: Matthew, Justin and Dalton.

Ron's legacy lives on through the family he built, the friends he loved, and the boats he so proudly created.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com