Ronald E Napier

Ronald Eugene Napier, 82 of Lebanon, TN passed away on February 7, 2025 in Lebanon. He was born in the original St. Thomas hospital in Nashville, TN on April 17, 1942 to the parents of Danel Radford and Mary Nell Napier. He was the eldest of three and was a caring and protective brother to his two younger sisters. He loved to play football. At one point he was the captain of the team helping to win five consecutive games. He graduated from Goodlettsville High in 1961. After graduating he worked for McLane Trucking.

Ron enjoyed being out on the lake in his boat. He would frequent Center Hill Lake and his second wife of 43 years, Jeanne would often join him during their courtship. They met in 1976 at a gathering Jeanne was having at her home. Ron happened to tag along with his buddy who knew Jeanne. Ron wore brown pants and a tan shirt that night and so she kept calling him “‘Ol Buster Brown”. She shared a joke with him that night and Ron was impressed with her spirited character and asked her out for the following week. Their first date was viewing the movie, Saturday Night Fever and then they went dancing at a bar once located in the Opryland Hotel. He had some moves and must have been watching Travolta intently. Although when the slow songs played, he would have to remind Jeanne to stop leading.

Jeanne loved him instantly for his kindness, generosity, and how much they appreciated the other’s company. Through the years they always found that family, community and laughter kept them strong.

They were married on August 02, 1979 when Ron’s first child, Stacey Nicole was four years old. Within the next three years, they had two boys of their own born in Donelson and Nashville, Tn. Keven Daniel born in 1980 and Patrick Stephen arriving in 1982. Ron loved playing golf but not as much as he loved his family and teaching them how to swing a club. Many missed holes didn’t deter two young sons at Two Rivers Driving Range in Old Hickory that playing golf with their dad was the best way to spend a day. He built a putting green for his sons in their backyard and was proud to go to Patrick and Kevin’s soccer games. Ron worked for American Airlines and they would do single day adventures. They would fly to Washington DC to visit the Smithsonian museums and then have dinner on the plane as they returned. Ron worked long hours in Fuel Services and wanted to make sure his children had a good education.

Ron retired from American Airlines in July of 2007.

“Compassion for animals is intimately associated with goodness of character” (Arthur Schopenhauer) Ron was delighted by all animals and his cat, Rascal continues to wait for him by the front door. He has loved all his grand dogs and they relished in his visits. Ron connected with strangers with ease. He loved family gatherings and hearing the old stories repeated. He wanted to help where he could and give his time to whomever needed it. He treasured having lunch with his old buddies from years past.

Ron is survived by wife, Jeanne Marie and sons, Kevin and Patrick, daughter, Stacey Gregory, daughter-in-law, Durden and three grandchildren, sisters, Deborah Steenbergen and Lana Pauley.

There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends for Ron on Monday February 17, 2025 from 5 pm until 7 pm at Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN. The family will receive friends on Tuesday February 18, 2025 from 10 am until 11 am at St Stephen Catholic Community 14544 Lebanon Rd, Old Hickory, TN 37138 with his Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11 am. Ron will be laid to rest in the Garden of Apostles at Hermitage Memorial Gardens immediately following the mass.

Fond memories, words of comfort and expressions of sympathy may be left for the Napier family by selecting the “Add A Memory” tab below or by visiting www.HermitageFH.com