Ronald Eugene Neely Jr.

Born on October 21, 1965, in Nashville, Tennessee, Ronald dedicated his life to serving others. The son of the late Ronald Eugene Neely Sr. and Gayle Leming Neely, he followed a path of service that would define his life and legacy.

Ronald proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1984 to 1989 as an aircraft mechanic. During his military service, he earned the Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. His time in the Air Force instilled in him a deep sense of duty, discipline, and commitment to helping others.

Following his military service, Ronald continued that commitment by following in his father’s footsteps and joining the Nashville Fire Department in 1990. As an Engineer with the Nashville Fire Department, he faithfully served the citizens of Nashville for 24 years before retiring on February 9, 2014. Throughout his career, he was respected for his dedication, dependability, and willingness to help wherever he was needed.

Even in retirement, Ronald continued to serve his community as a proud member of the Patriot Guard. Rather than riding a motorcycle, he uniquely contributed by owning and operating a decommissioned fire engine, which he used to escort and honor veterans, service members, and their families during Patriot Guard missions. It was yet another way he found to serve those who had served others.

Those who knew Ronald knew there was almost nothing he couldn’t repair. Whether it was a vehicle, an appliance, or a problem that seemed impossible to solve, he always found a way. His former captain, Karin Jenkins, once said of him, “He could break the unbreakable and fix the unfixable”—a fitting tribute to both his ingenuity and his unforgettable personality.

While Ronald’s service to his country and community was admirable, his greatest joy was his family. He loved being a father and was overjoyed when he became a grandfather in 2023. He cherished every moment spent with his grandson, Axel.

Ronald is survived by his son, Ronald Eugene Neely III and daughter-in-law, Jessica Neely; his stepdaughters, Sabrina Coleman and Kimberly Reed; his beloved grandson, Axel Neely; his former wife, Amanda Dorris Neely; his sister, Connie Fowler; his nieces, Ainsley Smith, Avery Toy, and Grace Fowler; and his nephew, David Fowler.

Ronald will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to service, his remarkable ability to fix just about anything, his generous spirit, and the love he shared with his family, friends, and community. Whether wearing the uniform of an airman, firefighter, Patriot Guard member, or simply being a father and grandfather, Ronald lived a life defined by service, honor, and heart. His legacy will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.

A Gathering of Family & Friends will be held at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204, on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at the funeral home on June 19, 2026, at 2:30 pm.

A Graveside Service will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204, on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 3:30 pm.