Ronald Allen Cathey

Ronald Allen Cathey, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed peacefully from this life late Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center, at the age of 82. Born October 14, 1944, Mr. Cathey will be remembered with deep respect and lasting gratitude by all who had the privilege to know him.

Mr. Cathey was the son of the late Bass and Mary Anna Regan Tomlin. A devoted and faithful man, he lived with steady purpose—hard-working, honest, and resourceful in the way he met life’s needs, and gentle and kind-hearted in the way he met people. Beloved and cherished, he carried himself with a quiet selflessness and loyalty that made others feel supported, safe, and valued.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Linda Hailey Stephens Cathey; son, Robert G. Stephens, II and his wife June; and granddaughters, Anna Vee Stephens and Emma Victoria Stephens. As a husband, father, and grandfather, Mr. Cathey was steadfast and tender—sweet in his affection, supportive in his presence, and devoted in the everyday ways that matter most. His granddaughters will especially hold close the warmth of his words, including the simple, loving reassurance: “I love you sweetheart.” Additional family includes his sister, Judy Tomlin; niece Allyson Townsend and husband Spencer and her children, Drake Townsend and wife Emily and his children Malia Townsend, Laightyn & Kingston Townsend, Austin Townsend and his wife Alice, and Conner Townsend; nephew, Paul Fields and wife Abby and Paul's children Chad Fields and wife Tori and their children Emery and Carter, Chelsie Pal and husband Charlie and their children Henry, Jack and Oliver; and Cory Fields and fiancee' Lydia and their child Emma and Cory's children Hunter and Owen and Lydia's children Libby and Ellie and Caroline Haden and husband Drew; nephew, Scott Malone and his children Loki and Miriya Malone.

He attended Franklin schools and graduated from Bladensburg High School in Bladensburg, Maryland.

For 36 years, he worked at US Airways/American Airlines and served as a dedicated example of a hard worker to family, friends, and co-workers, Mr. Cathey was a mentor whose compassion showed not in grand gestures, but in consistent care. He was known as a “Mr. Fix It,” the one others could count on—patient, capable, and willing to help without hesitation. He was also, by all accounts, the happiest man—always seen smiling, fun to be with, and a steady source of light to those around him.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, traveling mainly to Montana to hunt elk and would fish on Old Hickory Lake. His self discipline would allow him to achieve 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. He was an avid golfer and loved living on Indian Hills Golf Course. He was a devoted member and supporter of World Outreach Church.

He enjoyed scratch off lottery tickets, even if he never won; the joy was in the outing, the company, and the simple pleasure of the moment. In that same spirit, his life leaves behind a memory of happiness shared, kindness given freely, and love offered without condition. Heaven gained an angel.

A graveside service with military honors will be at Two O'clock the afternoon of Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Nashville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wreaths Across America or The Alzheimer’s Association.