Ronald G. Wagner, 79, of Spring City, TN passed away to be with the Lord on February 6, 2023.
He is preceded in death by his father Glen Bolton, mother Helen
Colvin, grandparents Mike and Mamie Wagner, and beloved son John Wagner.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Kathleen Wagner (Spring City, TN), daughters: Laura Wagner (Rockwood, TN), Rhonda Rodriguez (Palmetto, GA), and Molly Wagner (Rockwood, TN). Sisters: Sherry Smith and Jan Colvin (both of Bellevue, OH), three grandchildren: Ken Rodriguez, Cody Rodriguez, Alisha Mobley and five great-grandchildren.
Ron was born in Elyria, OH and raised on his grandparents’ farm in Medina, OH. It was there, at 18 years old, he met the love of his life, Kathleen. In youth he enjoyed all things outdoor related including hunting, trapping, boating, snowmobiling and aviation. He also enjoyed mechanics, carpentry, engineering, heavy-equipment, tractors, and everything related to farming.
Ron’s employment career was expansive and involved a variety of disciplines. He worked for Schaefer Electric (Medina, OH) as ateenager then later worked as a welder for the Lorain Shipyards (Lorain, OH). Afterwards he worked as a journeyman mechanic & welder for International Salt (Cleveland, OH) then Marks Tractor/DravoMarks (Brunswick, OH). Throughout this period, he continued to build and work his family farm in Medina, OH. Later employment included being Superintendent at Magnum Copper Mines (Tucson, AZ), and Fleet Service Maintenance Superintendent at OZ-T Limited, LLC (Phoenix, AZ/Ardmore, OK), E.F. Craven Company (Knoxville, TN), and North American Transport (Knoxville, TN/Dallas, TX). Finally, in 1992, together with his wife, he started a successful heavy equipment business venture named R & K Equipment and Repair (Spring City, TN).
Ron was an exceptional man with remarkable knowledge, skill, and talent. No challenge was too big; no task was too small. His intellect was unrivaled, his work ethic unequaled, and his wit and humor was unmatched. His charisma and smile was infectious. His love and appreciation for family and friends was deep and unending.
Ron Wagner was a devoted husband, a loving father, a builder, designer, heavy equipment operator, welder, mechanic, an engineer, a miner, an artist, sculptor, storyteller, pilot, scholar, teacher, mentor, leader, farmer, a genius, and our Hero. He was the most incredible, talented, and dynamic man. Gentle in spirit. Big in heart. Highly respected and always in service to others. He was loved and admired deeply and will be greatly missed by his wife, family, and friends.
“Love is a Rose”
A celebration of life will be held at a later date (TBD). In lieu of flowers please donate to the Pine Grove Fire District Association (314 Euchee Chapel Road Spring City, TN 37381) or to the charity of your choice.
Vaughn Funeral Home in Spring City is in charge of the arrangements of Ronald Wagner and asks that friends share condolences and memories of him with the family on our website www.vaughn-funeral-home.com.
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