Ronald Douglas Moles

Ronald Douglas Moles, 77, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on April 11, 2025. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, on August 1, 1947, to Roy and Elsie (Simpson) Moles. The oldest of three brothers, Ron grew up in Knoxville after his family relocated there during his infancy, and he remained a proud resident for the rest of his life. Ron married Deborah Moles (Jordan) in 1973, and together they raised two sons, Corey (Julia) Moles and Todd (Anna) Moles, both of Knoxville. He was affectionately known as "Pop Pops" to his five grandchildren – Mae, George, Ellis, Hank, and the late Jaxson - who brought him immense joy and whom he cherished deeply. In 2022, Ron married Connie Moles (Solomon), who cared for him with unwavering love and devotion. Together, they attended RIO East Church in Alcoa, Tennessee. A proud Eagle Scout, high school football letterman at Carter High School, and U.S. Army veteran, Ron served as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he followed in his family's footsteps and built a long and successful career in the trucking industry. For more than 50 years, Ron worked as a commission-based salesman, primarily with Peterbilt of Knoxville and Freightliner of Knoxville. His approachable nature, strong work ethic, and genuine kindness earned him lasting friendships and respect throughout the industry. Ron was a loyal fan of the Tennessee Volunteers, a passion sparked in the early 1960s when he worked concessions at Neyland Stadium. He went on to attend UT games with his sons for over six decades, creating beloved traditions and lifelong memories. He also loved coaching his sons in youth athletics and sharing rounds of golf with them in later years. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Elsie Moles; his brothers, Steven, Richard, and Wally Moles; his nephew, Blake Moles; his beloved Aunt Janie and Uncle Robert E. Simpson; and his grandson, Jaxson Douglas Moles. He is survived by his loving wife Connie; his former wife and mother of his children, Deborah Moles; his sons Corey (Julia) and Todd (Anna); his grandchildren Mae, George, Ellis, and Hank; and many cherished family members, friends, and colleagues. Ron 's legacy of love, faith and integrity will live on in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His family finds deep comfort in knowing that he is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 14, at RIO East Church, located at 1601 E Broadway, Alcoa, TN. The family will receive friends beginning at 5:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ron's memory to the Kennedy Ladd Foundation (kennedyladd.org), in honor of his grandson, Jax, who lived courageously for two years with MPS-1.