Ronald Luke

Ronald Eugene Luke of Chattanooga died of natural causes last Sunday at the age of 57. He is survived by his son, Griffin, of Chattanooga; his siblings Cheryl Luke Lockett of Primrose, NE and Ed (Tracey) Luke of Joelton, TN; nephew Brian (Kayla) Luke of Goodlettsville, TN; Step-Mother Carolyn Luke of Chattanooga, TN; nieces Amy (Art) Escobar and Sarah (Bryon) Coffey of Lincoln, NE; niece Anna Luke of Cedar Hill, TN; and niece Katie Luke, of Joelton; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Aubrey Eugene Luke and Naomi Ruth Rogers Luke.

A native of Walla Walla, WA, and living many of his formative years in Colorado, Ron was a 31-year resident of Chattanooga, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from UTC where he studied voice with David Pennebaker and sang with the Opera Workshop. He remained an active performer throughout his adult life as part of such organizations as the Theatre Centre, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, Chattanooga Bach Choir, and Choral Arts of Chattanooga and was a regular member of Voci Virili Men’s Consort at the time of his death. He worked for many years in both inside and outside sales, including thirteen years in management for various businesses, and ultimately earned a second Bachelor’s degree, this time in Organizational Management, from Covenant College in 2004.

He was a clever, funny man who worked hard, inspired the best in his employees, and was a talented singer who had a lifelong passion for the arts. He loved his son and his family, never complained despite lifelong health issues with type 1 diabetes, and would give a friend the shirt off his back. He will be missed by the many whose lives he touched in his professional, performing, and personal spheres.

A visitation will be held from 12 noon to 1:30 pm at Advantage Funeral Home at 1724 McCallie Ave, with a public service of the resurrection 2 pm this Friday, October 4, at Christ Episcopal Church on the corner of Douglas and McCallie Avenues. In accordance with his wishes, his ashes will be scattered in the Colorado mountains by his family. Donations in his memory may be made to McKamey Animal Center (www.mckameyanimalcenter.org).

Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, Chattanooga,Tennessee.