Ron had a long and distinguished career that spanned engineering, energy leadership, and public service. He began his professional journey as an aerospace engineer with North American Rockwell in California, contributing to several top-secret projects vital to national security. His work continued in Seattle with Boeing on classified defense initiatives before he made a career pivot into the field of actuarial science.
He worked as an actuary with Provident in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and later became Vice President of Administration at the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga. Ron was later recruited to lead the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA), where he served as President and CEO, as well as President and CEO of the Illinois Gas Agency, based in Springfield, Illinois. During his tenure, he played a key role in the planning, financing, and construction of the Prairie State Energy Campus—a state-of-the-art coal-fired power plant in southern Illinois. As Vice-Chair of the Prairie State Generating Company, Ron was instrumental in securing long-term energy resources for municipalities across multiple states, helping to ensure stable, affordable power for future generations.
Ron also oversaw the design and construction of IMEA’s headquarters in Springfield, a building inspired by the Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie Style architectural movement and recognized with a Silver LEED certification for environmental design.
He earned degrees in Mathematics and Physics from California State University at Fullerton, California State University at Long Beach, and Georgia State University in Atlanta.
Ron was also a devoted community member. He served on numerous civic and cultural boards, including the original River City Board, the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Executive Board, and the Allied Arts Board, among others. Nationally, he served on the board of the American Public Power Association (APPA) and spent eight years as a trustee of the Southern Baptist Convention, serving on the Annuity Board. His faith was central to his life, and he served as a deacon and Sunday School Director for six years at Central Baptist Church, before becoming an active member of First Baptist Church Golden Gateway. His longtime Sunday School teacher, Billy Hewitt, officiated his memorial service.
Ron was an avid golfer and lifelong sports fan. However, his greatest joy came from traveling extensively with Mary Earl, his beloved wife of over 60 years. Together they explored the world, appreciating architecture, opera, and theater in cities across the globe. He will be remembered for his sunny smile, generosity and warm personality.
He is survived by his daughter, Desiree Soteres (Kip) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and his son, Ronald Earl (Tricia) of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He leaves behind three grandchildren: Zoe Ariadne Soteres of Chicago, Illinois; Brennan Davis Earl of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and Ansley Ryan Earl of Auburn, Alabama.
A graveside service was held at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Garden of Devotion, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, followed by a reception at the Westin Hotel, in the Roy McDonald Ballroom.
