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Ron Williams Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Ron Williams, a devoted child of God, and one of Knoxville's most brilliant artists, died June 24, 2016 in the Year of Jubilee, a time when sins are forgiven and debts wiped away. He was set free from a long struggle with congestive heart failure at Park West Medical Center. He was 69 years old. A member of the Fulton High School Class of 1964 who left school early to join the United States Navy, Ron discovered his talent for painting in early adulthood. He specialized in Southern Highland landscapes that depicted the beauty of God's creation. Portraying nature was his way of worshiping, and collectors all over the world prize his paintings. A kind, generous and intelligent man who lived in near poverty despite his acclaim in the world of art, Ron was considered the modern successor of the Hudson Valley School of Art, whose works reflected the glory of nature.
He is the son of the late James and Kimble Williams. Ron is survived by his sister, Darlene Elaine Williams; aunt, Wanda Williams; niece, Tracie Rochester; great-niece, Jessica Bowling; her son, Levi; and many cousins.
Family and friends will meet at 1:15 p.m., Tuesday, July 12 at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway for a graveside service that will begin at 1:30 with full military honors conducted by the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard. Online obituary may be viewed and condolences extended at www.rosemortuary.com. Gifts of flowers will be accepted at Rose Mortuary, 1421 N. Broadway, Knoxville Tennessee, 37917.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ron Williams
Sponsored by Olde Concord Gallery.
Keira Wyatt
April 11, 2025
I met Ron years ago in the graduate Library @ UT. He was a tall man with piercing blue eyes, kind and generous.
I acquired a painting he painted on ordinary white wall lamanent. The subject was trees shading a stream. Unfortunately we lost in when our home was destroyed by fire.
He and I had several random encounters and conversations on the campus on UT and Tyson Park. Recently I learned if his death.
He was a very kind and sensitive man. The Lord knows how to bring closure when we think about those who have crossed our paths in life and made a significant impact.
Nancy @ the Wishing Well always kept me posted about this gentle soul.
May you rest in eternal peace. You brought much joy through you pain. It was an honor to have crossed paths and to have had the honor of being in your presences Mr. Williams.
With Deep Admiration and Sincere Regards,
Keira Wyatt
Jim McConnell
March 16, 2023
I only recently learned of Ron's passing. I lived in a house on Clinch ave in Knoxville for a few years and Ron was another resident at the time. I have two of his works that I got from him during that time. I remember him making a box camera from a show box, making his way up to the Smoky Mountains and coming back with photographs from which to paint. May he Rest In Peace. The world is more lovely because of his passing through.
Janet Hanson
September 29, 2018
Just today my husband, daughter & son-in-law went into the Art Galleria in Knoxville, and learned about Ron in viewing his amazing portraits of God's beautiful creation. Jeff & I were reminded of Frederick Church's paintings that we saw in the Detroit Institute of Art. Both fantastically gifted & skilled. What a pleasure to learn about Ron, and especially to know that he loved the Good God who made the scenes that Ron so wonderfully portrayed. I am so thankful that his struggles are over, and that he is completely healed and whole in our Makers presence. Janet Hanson from Jackson, Michigan
Mayda (Watkins) Schiller
July 31, 2016
Darlene, I am so sad to learn of Ron's passing. I have wonderful memories of him from all the time I spent at your house. I am so grateful to have known him. I cherish all the memories I have of you and your family. May God bring you comfort and peace.
Debbie Freeman
July 20, 2016
Darlene, I am so sorry to hear of your brother's passing-- I saw the report about his funeral on TV. He was such a wonderful artist--I've seen many of his majestic oil landscapes, all around Knoxville. The Farragut town hall has at least two of his big oil paintings, prominently displayed. But I especially remember his beautiful painting of a snowy day, a small painting displayed in your living room (this was years ago-- in the 1970's). That small painting was so lovely and magical-- a work of genius, as was all of his work. May Ron rest in peace, and may God grant you and your family comfort.
Carol Brown
July 17, 2016
We met Ron at the Wishing Well in downtown Knoxville, before the World's Fair in Knoxville. We have many of his paintings.He was a kind, intelligent, talented man. Though he didn't talk much to strangers, he did talk with me one day. I love his art, it seems to be a true reflection of his spirit. We will treasure his memory and his paintings.
May God grant his family peace and comfort.
July 13, 2016
Darlene, so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. i hope that you will find some peace with this some day. Thinking of you, Cathy (Thomas) Tarver
Linda yarnell-Wells
July 13, 2016
Ronny was like a brother as he was growing up always at our house with my brothers. So sweet cute and shy. I loved his artistic abilities he certainly captured the beauty of creation in his art. Rest in Peace Ronny.
Janice Valentine
July 12, 2016
Ron was such a special, talented man who had become a dear friend to me. No matter how many problems he might have had, he always asked me how my mom was or how my husband was. Both had some health issues that he always showed concern about. He emphasized that I should cherish time with my mom after he had lost his. He knew his bible well so we often had wonderful conversations about our faith and how someday God is going to make all the wrongs of this world right. I know he has now received the ultimate healing that he and I also talked about. Such a kind heart and a talent that never ceased to amaze me-I will truly miss him.
Linda Reeves
July 12, 2016
I met Ron a few times at Variations by Victoria. My family is fortunate to have 3 of his beautiful water colors that he named them for us, which I understand was rare. He was such a talent and we are saddened by his death, but happy he is now at peace. Blessings to his family and friends.
Sherri Springer
July 12, 2016
We own many of his paintings and enjoy them so much! He was a treasure!
July 11, 2016
It was a joy to see your work and to anticipate the next oil you would complete and bring to a gallery for us to love and admire. I spent a few hours with you at a shop and was able to buy 6 paintings over the years. They will remind me of you and the beauty you saw in our mountains. I am thankful you were a child of God and know you are with Him. Teresa
Bernadette Hammond
July 11, 2016
Rest in Peace cousin. You will be greatly missed.
Shirley Tolson
July 10, 2016
I am so grieved at Rons passing. He is my favorite artist and I wanted to meet him so badly. His paintings take my breath away. I pray for peace for the family during this, the saddest of all times.
Priscilla Tine
July 10, 2016
Ron was always so kind and gentle to me. I am so happy he is now at peace.
Steve Yarnell
July 10, 2016
Rest in peace my dear old friend.
Pat Ballew/Mortorano
July 10, 2016
I went school with Ron at Christenberry and Fulton. I remember him as being very quite and shy. I had no idea of the talents that were inside. . . Until I saw his work, years later. I pray for peace for his family. Rest in Peace, Ron Williams, your life works will live on forever.
David Campbell
July 10, 2016
Ron was a special gift to my family. I will miss him.
Linda Loveday
July 10, 2016
Ronnie was always so sweet and kind to everyone in school; I went to school with him at Christenberry and Fulton. He was such a good person. So sorry I haven't seen him in years.
Leonard Landis
July 10, 2016
Ronnie was a good friend from Fulton. I hope he will always be remembered as a great artist and a great friend. RIP Ronnie.
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