Ronald "Ronny" Davis Lee

Ronald Davis “Ronny” Lee, age 84, of Pikeville, Tennessee, passed away on September 12, 2026, in Pikeville. A lifelong Tennessean, he was born on December 19, 1941, in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Mr. Lee was born to Ralph and Gladys Lee and was the fifth of fifteen children born to their union. His life was shaped by deep family roots, steady work, and enduring devotion to the people and pursuits that mattered most to him.

Ronny graduated from Farragut High School and went on to build a long and hardworking career on the railroad. Over the course of more than 50 years, he worked throughout the eastern United States, doing everything from helping with derailments to repairing and building railroad tracks. His years in railroad work reflected a life spent in demanding labor and practical service, and they formed an important part of his story.

In addition to his railroad career, Ronnie was an avid farmer. He loved gardening and passed that love on too many of his descendants. He also loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed being outside. Those simple and lasting interests remained closely tied to the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind.

A man of faith, Ronnie loved the Lord and was a member of Smiths Chapel Independent Baptist Church in Pikeville, Tn. His church membership was one of the defining parts of his life, alongside his commitment to family, work, and the land.

He leaves behind his wife of more than 60 years, ElRita May Lee; a daughter, Mary “Lisa” Eason and spouse Jim of Newnan, Georgia; son, Ron Jeffery Lee of Pikeville. They also raised Buddy Cutshaw of North Caroline and Brady Lee of Pikeville. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by six brothers: Raymond Lee and wife Elizabeth of Lenior City, Danny Ray Lee and wife Shelia of Pikeville, Monte D. Lee and wife Kathy of Pikeville, Allen K. Lee and wife Rhonda of Knoxville, David B. Lee and wife Denise of Dunlap, and Marty Dean Lee and wife Peggy of Pikeville. He is also survived by five sisters: Sherry Burris and husband Ronnie of Farragut. Sue Phillips of Lenior City.  Janice Pickens of Lenior City, Tammy Wilburn and husband Dickie of Pikeville, and sister-in-law Ina Lee of Sale Creek.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Gladys Lee; three sisters, Patsy Ann Lee, Judy Jane Lee, and Marilyn Alice Lee; one brother, Don Elton Lee; and two daughters, Annette Faye Ursta and Kathy Lynn Gray.

Ronald Davis “Ronny” Lee will be remembered for a life that was firmly rooted in Christ, family, faithful work, and the outdoors he loved so well. His many years on the railroad, his work as a farmer, his love of gardening, and his enjoyment of hunting and fishing all speak to a life of dedication and constancy. His memory remains with all who knew him.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 17, 2026, From 12pm until 2pm Central time at Smith Chapel Independent Babtist Church at 4826 Brockdell rd, Pikeville, Tn, 37367. Funeral service will follow at 2pm with Bro Danny Ray Lee Officiating. Graveside will follow at the Lee Family cemetery. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Ronald Davis " Ronny " Lee.